Booker longlist 2024: Wild Houses by Colin Barrett

Our panel’s third book is another debut novel: Wild Houses by Colin Barrett. Will our panel like this one more than Headshot or James?

Synopsis from Goodreads: As Ballina in the west of Ireland prepares for its biggest weekend of the year, the simmering feud between small-time dealer Cillian English and County Mayo’s fraternal enforcers, Gabe and Sketch Ferdia, spills over into violence and an ugly ultimatum. When the reclusive Dev answers his door on Friday night, he finds Doll—Cillian’s bruised, sullen, teenage brother—in the clutches of Gabe and Sketch. Jostled by his nefarious cousins, goaded by his dead mother’s dog, and struck by spinning lights, Dev is unwillingly drawn headlong into the Ferdias’ revenge fantasy.

Meanwhile, seventeen-year-old Nicky can’t shake the feeling that something bad has happened to her boyfriend Doll. Hungover, reeling from a fractious Friday night, and plagued by ghosts of her own, Nicky sets out on a feverish mission to save Doll, even as she questions her future in Ballina.

You can purchase a copy of the book here

Keep reading to find out how our panelists rated this book.

Jen’s Thoughts: I read this book when it first came out, and at the time, it was one of my favorite books of 2024. You can read my full review here. It no longer qualifies as one of my favorites but it was a solid read and one I did find very beautifully written and engaging. I thought the writing was the strong point, character and plot development were strong, and I fully enjoyed the reading experience (mainly because the writing was beautiful). I took points of for originality since nothing felt truly unique or original about the plot or style. It’s a book I truly appreciated in the moment but not one I anticipate staying with me for years to come.

Writing quality: 4.5/5
Originality: 2/5
Character development: 3/4
Plot development: 3/4
Overall enjoyment: 2/2
Total: 14.5/20
Did it deserve a spot on the longlist? No. I say that with the caveat that I did really like this book and in fact I liked it much more than several other books on the list. However, for me, the Booker list books should be works that present something novel and creative whether it be the narrative structure, the writing style, the plot, or the treatment of characters. I don’t think this book does that, but nevertheless, it is a book that I think is worth reading and I look forward to seeing what this author can do in the future.

Tracy’s Thoughts: I knew this would make the list- I can’t say I loved it. But it has Cormac McCarthy/Irvine Welsh vibes with some soul searching moments. And that’s literary catnip.

Writing quality: 4/5
Originality: 4/5
Character development: 3/4
Plot development: 4/4
Overall enjoyment: 1/2
Total: 16/20
Did it deserve a spot on the longlist? Not really. There were other books that were more deserving. And I think Barrett’s next novels surely will be better.

Nicole’s Thoughts: I’m pretty surprised by this book’s inclusion in the list.

It’s hard to say that this book was enjoyable to read, but it was good. Definitely more character driven and it takes place over the course of just a few days so it’s a snapshot of poor Irish life and the drinking and drugs that went with this particular view.

Dev, Doll and Nicky were all characters that stood out in their flawed, sad, glory. Well written, well told – for me a bit subtle.

Writing quality: 4/5
Originality: 3/5
Character development: 3/4
Plot development: 2/4
Overall enjoyment: 1/2
Total: 13/20
Did it deserve a spot on the longlist?  No. It was fine – Booker should be better than fine.

Susie’s Thoughts: Reading Wild Houses has left me musing over what makes a novel Booker worthy. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was right in my wheelhouse. I love a bit o’ Irish misery, and Barrett’s writing reminded me of Kevin Barry, whom I adore. With this formula, you would think I would be ecstatic at its inclusion on the longlist, and yet something feels a bit off. After lots of thinking, I’ve come to the conclusion that it just doesn’t feel as important as some of the other works (My Friends, James, Wandering Stars), even though I enjoyed this more than some of those ‘important’ experiences. If I were rating it purely on enjoyment, it would give it 20/20. The writing is sublime, and Barrett was able to create tender moments amongst what was not said as much as what was. The development of characters was top notch. The audio production added a rich atmosphere to the experience. I really think you should read it, but I don’t think it should win the Booker, and I’ll be surprised if we see it on the shortlist.

Writing quality: 4/5
Originality: 3/5
Character development: 3.5/4
Plot development: 3/4
Overall enjoyment: 2/2
 Total: 15.5/20

Did it deserve a spot on the longlist? I’m not so sure.

Have you read this one? Let us know what you thought.

Our panel’s final rankings

1. James: 19.2
2. Wild Houses 14.75
3. Headshot: 12.1

Next up will be Held by Anne Michaels. Join us Monday for that review.