Tomorrow the judges will announce the Bailey’s Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlist – a roster culled from 20 nominees to 6. Having read 15 of the 20 thus far, I thought I would play a little game with my inner Carnac and offer up three works that I predict (or at least hope) will appear on this illustrious short list.
Girl at War by Sara Novic
Sara Novic’s debut novel is devastating and brilliant. Her youth, her raw talent, and her deft handling of war, loss, and child soldiers make her a force to be reckoned with and a strong choice for this year’s Bailey’s Prize. See my full review here.
A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson
“A God in Ruins” stands out for its quiet force. Atkinson uses captivating characters and strands of time to weave a complex tapestry. The result is truly beautiful. See my full review here.
The House at the Edge of the World by Julia Rochester
“The House at the Edge of the World” is wild, feral, and twisty. What starts as a tragic anecdote laced with wry humor soon turns into a novel of intrigue and mystery, and it is an addictive force. In brief, pithy phrases, Julia Rochester is able to create living, breathing characters with depth, agency, and charisma. See my full review here.
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