Booker International Shortlist 2021 – In Memory of Memory

Will this be the Booker to remember?

BookWorm Why This Could Win: This was an interesting way to tell the story of things that once existed that have now become memories blending fact and fiction into a series of short vignettes.

Why It Might Not Win: This is not the most exciting book and the non fictional nature of parts of it made for heavy reading. I would also question if this kind of factual storytelling should win a fictional writing prize.

Tracy’s Thoughts:

Why it could win: It’s beautifully written, and it touches on the need to know our family histories. 

Why it might not win: It’s not really fiction.

Rachel’s thoughts: I’m enjoying this a lot – but it’s not something I want to rush through, so I’m still going!

Why it could win: The writing’s wonderful, her ideas are interesting, and I don’t think I’ve ever read anything quite like it.

Why it might not win: It’s not a page-turner. And if it won, Fitzcarraldo would really need to reconsider their fiction/nonfiction covers (which might not be a bad thing…)