2017 Man Booker Shortlist
The 2017 Man Booker shortlist was announced this morning. Keep reading to see which books made the list and how our judges fared in their predictions.
1. Autumn by Ali Smith
2. Exit West by Hamid
3. 4321 by Paul Auster
4. Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
5. History of Wolves by Emily Fridlund
6. Elmet by Fiona Mozley
So how did we did in our predictions? Our panel as a group (based on scorecard ratings) got 4/6 correct. Our top judges, Nicole and Andrew each predicted 4/6, Book Worm and I (Jen) correctly predicted 3/6, and Anita predicted 2/6 correct.
I have to say I’m pretty stunned about Elmet and History of Wolves making this list since I thought both had some significant flaws (although I very much enjoyed History of Wolves). I’m pleased that my top four books made it (Autumn, Exit West, Lincoln in the Bardo, and 4321) even though I didn’t pick 4321.
Congrats to all six authors who made it! It was a really strong longlist this year so I encourage you to read all the books, even those that didn’t make the cut.
The winner will be announced on October 17th. We will be posting expanded thoughts about each of the shortlist books and will make our winner predictions a few days before the announcement.
What do you think of the list? Do you disagree with any of the selections that made it on the shortlist? Why or why not?
jenp27
Nicole Del Sesto
The Reader's Room 
I think it’s a strong list but I’m very, very disappointed that Solar Bones wasn’t shortlisted. And I wonder if it’s just a coincidence that there’s 3 men and 3 women or is gender equality more important than actual literary merit these days?
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Me too. I think gender distribution is probably something that factors in to the decision since the Man Booker has been criticized for this in the past. There were stronger women authors on the list who didn’t make it though.
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Totally agree with you on Solar Bones, Paula! I am pretty sure you are on to something with gender parity, but I was glad to see that addressing “current social issues” didn’t really take precedence in the selections like I anticipated it would.
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If I had only just gone with either my ratings or my personal favorites, I would have done a bit better with predicting. I was totally swayed by the buzz!!
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I try not to read the other reviews/sites because it sways my thinking and the judges almost never agree
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Smart on your part! I would have been better off had I not done so, but have to admit that it was fun hearing all the differing perspectives. Fun, but unhelpful.
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I guess you weren’t the only ones who felt The Ministry of Utmost Happiness was a bit weak. I only have to read 4321 and Elmet. But WOW! I’m really surprised at History of Wolves, and Elmet.
I still think it’s going to be Autumn. 🙃
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I’ve really enjoyed your panel’s reviews & summaries. I haven’t read any of the novels but hope to acquire/find a copy of Autumn, and 4321, & Exit West.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
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I’m thrilled to see History of Wolves and Elmet there, but never would have predicted History of Wolves. I guessed 4/6 which I think was good. Happy to see UR missing. Thrilled to see Lincoln there.
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I haven’t read any of these though am due to pick up a copy of Reservoir 13 from the library today. I was surprised Solar Bones didn’t make it given the positive reviews I’ve seen but am not at all surprised Lincoln in the Bardo was shortlisted. I’ve taken out my crystal ball, given it a shine and the result is a prediction for Lincoln to win.
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I would be very happy if Lincoln in the Bardo was the winner. Hope your crystal ball is right!
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I hope Autumn wins. There are three on the list that I’ll definitely read (Autumn, 4321 and Lincoln in the Bardo), one I’ll probably read (History of Wolves), the other two just don’t grab me.
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