And the Winner is….
Well if you ask me the judges copped out this year and rather than make a straightforward decision they have awarded the prize to two winners:
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo – the first black woman to win the prize. Major kudos to Evaristo this is the book that should have won.
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood – In my opinion Atwood doesn’t need the extra recognition so why take the focus away from what could have been a major triumph for diversity?
As you can imagine the internet is up in arms about this decision and frankly I don’t blame anyone.
What do you think of this decision? Let us know!
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Book Worm
jenp27
Nicole Del Sesto
The Reader's Room 
I haven’t read either of the books (or any of the others on the shortlist) but I agree with you it’s a cop out and it doesn’t do either of the winners any favours. As you say, Atwood has had more than enough attention for her book without getting this prize as well. It also sets a precedent for future years. If the judges were really split, why not just toss a coin or take the Strictly Come Dancing approach and give one of the judges a casting vote?
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I wonder if it was a statement by the committee, regarding women’s issues. I’m still processing. I liked both books, and I’m glad Girl Woman Other got the attention it deserved.
At least it wasn’t The Wall..
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absolute cop out. Takes away from both of them (though Testaments didn’t deserve the recognition.) Now I know how everybody felt last year.
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I’m reading Girl, Woman, Other at the moment and I absolutely adore it. I also read The Testaments recently and, while I enjoyed it, I don’t think it’s as good. I don’t understand why the chair couldn’t make the final decision?
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