2017 Man Booker Shortlist Predictions

Our shadow panel of 6 judges managed to collectively read all 13 books. We rated all the books on the following criteria: 1) writing quality; 2) originality; 3) character development; 4) plot development; and 5) enjoyment.  Based on our collective ratings we came up with a group shortlist. Keep reading to find out how each book was ranked and which books we predict will make the list. The shortlist will be announced tomorrow. 

To start off, below are are “objective” rankings. These rankings were based on our overall ratings for each book averaged across all judges who read the book. If you click on the links they will take you to our mini-reviews of each book. Here are our panel’s consensus ratings:

1.  Autumn by Ali Smith: 18.25/20
2. Exit West by Hamid: 17.4/20
3. 4321 by Paul Auster: 17/20
4. Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders: 16.8/20
5. Solar Bones by Mike McCormack: 16.67/20
6. Home Fire 16.33/20
7. Days Without End by Sebastian Barry: 16/20
8. History of Wolves by Emily Fridlund: 15.4/20
9. Reservoir 13 by Jon McGregor: 14.87/20
10. Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead: 13.9/20
11. Swing Time by Zadie Smith: 13.7/20
12. Elmet by Fiona Mozley : 13.5/20
13. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness: 12.67

Based on our overall combined ratings, the first 6 books would make our shortlist if we were the Man Booker judges. We’ve given each judge the opportunity to share their thoughts and predictions for the shortlist.

Jen’s Predictions: I read all 13 books on the list and I’m finding it really hard to select my top 6 because most of the books were really fantastic and they were all pretty different.

Here are the books I think will (and should) make the shortlist (in no particular order):

1. Autumn
2. Exit West
3. Lincoln in the Bardo
4. Home Fire
5. Reservoir 13
6. Solar Bones

I’d also like to add that while I didn’t particularly love the Ministry of Utmost Happiness, and it ranked low for our panel, I think it has a pretty good shot of making the shortlist –possibly bumping out (Exit West). Of all the books on my personal shortlist, Exit West is the one about which I’m most nervous.

Book Worm’s predictions:  I have split this into books I would like to see make the shortlist and books I think will make the shortlist.

The books I would choose for the shortlist are
1. Home Fire
2. Reservoir 13
3. Autumn.

The books I think will make the shortlist are:
4. Elmet
5. 4321
6. Solar Bones.

Nicole’s predictions:  First, I’m super excited to see the shortlist.  I only read 9 of the books, but my predictions will include them all.  It’s hard to leave Underground Railroad off the list, even though I want to.  Also, hate to leave off Lincoln in the Bardo, but this is predictions not favorites.  ACK.

Going out on a limb pre-shortlist, I predict Exit West for the win.

My list:

1. Exit West
2. Autumn
3. Elmet
4. Solar Bones
5. 4321
6. sadly Underground Railroad

Anita’s predictions: I only managed to read 8 of the 13 long listed books, but I had a blast making the attempt.  As a result, some of my predictions include books I haven’t read, but I got soooo into participating in this blog, that I ended up consuming a whole lot of book reviews and Man Booker analysis which has helped form my opinions.  Unfortunately, my favorites and my predictions don’t really line up as I note below!

1. Autumn – Ali Smith
2. Solar Bones – Mike McCormack
3. Lincoln in the Bardo – George Saunders
4. The Underground Railroad – Colson Whitehead**
5. Reservoir 13 – John McGregor
6. Home Fire Kamila Shamsie**

Andrew’s Predictions: Allow me to be direct and upfront: I am the slacker of the group. With only 2 books completed and 3 half-finished, I do not deserve a vote as to which books make the shortlist. (Sidenote: I will do my best to read the shortlist!!!)  So I won’t bore you with a paragraph of my unfounded reasons as to why certain books will make the shortlist.

1. Lincoln in the Bardo
2. Autumn
3. 4321
4. Solar Bones
5. Exit West
6. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness

So there you have it… The winner will be announced on October 17th. Over the next month we’ll feature a little more about each of the shortlisted books and we’ll be back to make our predictions for overall winner in mid-october.

We want to hear from you! What did you think of the list? Which books do you think will make the list? Which judge do you think has it right?

Want to check out some other predictions? Check one of our favorites here:
Jo’s Book Blog