Booker Prize 2019 Shortlist: Quichotte by Salman Rushdie
This is the 5th time Rushdie has made the shortlist.
Book Worm’s Thoughts: This is my least favourite of the Rushdie’s that I have read, I don’t like Don Quixote which forms part of the source material for this book and I never found myself lost in the story.
Why this could win: It is topical as it satires the opioid “crisis” in the states. Rushdie is a big name in literature.
Why it might not win: The idea of an old man stalking a much younger woman could factor against it in the current climate (that said it made the long & shortlists). Rushdie has already won a Booker for Midnight’s Children and this book is not a patch on that if you ask me.
Anita’s Thoughts: Why this could win: Rushdie is one of the biggest names in literary fiction.
Why it might not win: So is Atwood. And I think she wins in the battle of the heavyweights given the current zeitgeist.
Nicole’s Thoughts: Rushdie isn’t my thing so I didn’t read it.
Why this could win: Rushdie
Why it might not win: Because Rushdie isn’t a lot of people’s thing … also heard it was a bit of a slog
Tracy’s Thoughts: I truly enjoyed this book. It wasn’t Rushdie’s best, but it was enjoyable. I agree with his politics, so I probably enjoyed it more than others will.
Why this could win: Rushdie, Rushdie, Rushdie. It’s timely, political, funny, and is a retelling. Did I mention Rushdie?
Susie’s Thoughts: I’m part way through this one too, but I must say that I’m finding it very endearing.
Why this could win: Rushdie’s reworking of Don Quixote is so witty and intelligent, worthy Booker winner traits.
Why it might not win: Rushdie die hards are saying it’s not his best.
Book Worm
jenp27
Nicole Del Sesto
The Reader's Room 
I think it’s a superb spin on Don Quixote, but you obviously need to be very familiar with Cervantes’s work to truly appreciate what Rushdie did here. I was fortunate enough to have just finished the 2 books of Don Quixote when Quichotte was made available! I hope the judges know well their classics!! Here is what I thought: https://wordsandpeace.com/2019/09/19/book-review-quichotte/
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I personally didn’t enjoy Don Quixote which probably doesn’t help my feelings about this book. I am always familiar with several people who have been caught up in the Opioid blanket ban when they genuinely need it for pain (as someone with Ankylosing Spondylitis I can confirm that there is pain that no other pain killers can touch) so I disliked that aspect of the book.
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I haven’t read this book but it’s received some good press. I might take the plunge and see if my library has a copy. 😊
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