Booker 2023 Winner Predictions

It’s time for our panel to pick our winner. Find out which book our panelists will win the prize this year.

Nicole: In my opinion, Prophet Song is the only book that warrants inclusion on the short list, therefore it must be the winner. But crappy competition notwithstanding, it was a very timely novel and dug into the topic fearlessly.

Jen: I think Prophet song will win although I think it could go to study for obedience. I was 50/50 on which of the two would win so picked the one I liked most. I think given all the is going on in the world at the moment, Prophet Song is the most timely and relevant.

Tracy: This short list was a struggle to appreciate. There were better books on the long list that were left behind, and I’m sad that they didn’t get to be honored more. I am afraid that one of the books that I really disliked will be the winner, but I’m going to predict one that I think does deserve to win: Prophet Song.

Bookworm: I have said it before and I will say it again this is my least favourite shortlist EVER. There is only one book that deserves to win and that is Prophet Song, it still scares me and it feels less like fiction every day. However knowing the Booker judges it will be a book I really disliked that wins.

Lisa: Of the ones I read (which were the ones I most wanted to read), The Bee Sting was my favorite. Though I also like This Other Eden as a winner, given it was based on a real island community and the theme of “well-meaning person and people pretending to be well-meaning destroy everything.” Seems like a relevant theme to current life.

Anita: I would be absolutely thrilled to see The Bee Sting take the prize. It’s my personal top choice by a lot. But I don’t actually think it wins. My prediction is Prophet Song, and if this novel wins, I’ll be very satisfied. My motto this year is anything but This Other Eden.

We want to hear from you. Which book do you think deserves to win the prize?