2018 Man Booker Short list 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. Overstory: (18/20)
2. The Long Take (17.5/20)
3. From a Low and Quiet Sea (17.2/20)
4. Warlight (15.56/20)
5. Everything Under (15.5/20)
6. In our Man and Furious City (15.5/20)
7. Washington Black (15/20)
8. Milkman (14.8/20)
9. The Water Cure (14.2/20)
10. The Mars Room (14/20)
11. Normal People (13/20)
12. Snap (11.5/20)
13. Sabrina (9.5/20)

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: Overall I though the list was pretty weak this year. I usually predict which books I think will make it, but this year I have no idea what the judges are thinking – based largely on the fact that I thought the long list selections were unusual. So instead of venturing to pick which books I think will make it, I’m going to instead tell you which books I think deserve to make the shortlist. Here are my choices in no particular order.

1. In Our Mad and Furious City
2. Milkman
3. Long Take
4. Warlight
5. Overstory
6. From a Low and Quiet Sea

I think it is unlikely that all 6 of those books will make the shortlist because it only includes one female author but unfortunately for the women on the list, these are the six books that I thought the best of the lot. If I were to venture a guess, I would say that Overstory would be replaced by Washington Black or Everything Under on the actual shortlist.

Book Worm’s predictions: 

1. The Overstory
2. The Long Take
3. Everything Under
4. Warlight
5. The Mars Room
6. In Our Mad and Furious City

Nicole’s predictions:  

In no particular order

The Overstory
The Long Take
From a Low and Quiet Sea
Warlight
In Our Mad and Furious City
Milkman

I haven’t read two of these books, so pretty much a crapshoot.  I feel like one of the Irish authors could win the whole thing this year.

Anita’s predictions complete stabs in the dark:

1. The Overstory
2. The Long Take
3. From a Low and Quiet Sea
4. Warlight
5. Washington Black
6. In Our Mad and Furious City

Lisa’s predictions:

1. Overstory
2. The Long Take
3. From a Low and Quiet Sea
4. Warlight
5. Milkman
6. The Water Cure

Andrew’s Predictions: So… since I only managed 4 books, and 3 of them don’t deserve to be shortlisted, this is mostly based on my compatriot’s reviews:

Overstory
From a Low and Quiet Sea
In our Mad and Furious City
Warlight
Washington Black
The Long Take

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: