Booker Shortlist 2023: The Bee Sting by Paul Murray

The Bee Sting by Paul Murray

Could this Bee our winner?

BookWorm: The longest book on the shortlist.

Why it Could Win: It is the longest and probably the most complex on the shortlist.

Why it Might Not Win: The story does get repetitive as the same events are covered from multiple viewpoints and the ending just fizzles out.

Jen: I dreaded this book since I disliked Skippy Dies but I ended up quite enjoying it.

Why it Could Win: Family saga, well-written, author has prior long listed book, and relevant themes for current times.

Why it Might Not Win: It’s the longest book on the list and the judges seem to be going for very short (barely longer than short story types of books).

Tracy:

Why it Could Win: Lots of people have been loving this one. It’s a family story, it’s relevant, and it utilizes second person well.

Why it Might Not Win: Bloated, self-indulgent writing. Like Nicole says, Franzenesque. However, only Franzen does Franzen well.

Nicole:

Why it Could Win: Booker longlisted author, has some substance, is Franzenesque and the literary world loves Franzen

Why it Might Not Win:  Too long, too derivative

Anita:

Why it Could Win:  The ending is brilliant and a culminating moment worthy of a big award.  The author foreshadows it brilliantly and uses the second person to great effect.

Why it Might Not Win:  While a very enjoyable read, I’m not sure it conveys enough commentary on our times to win this particular prize.

Lisa: I was looking forward to reading this novel and I really enjoyed it. It grabs you and takes you up and down on a roller coaster. and he is good at getting into the minds of the teens in the story.

Why it Could Win: It’s that kind of sprawling literary novel.

Why it Might Not Win: Too Franzen-esque?

Have you read this one? Do you think is will be the winner?