2025 Booker Shortlist: The Rest of our lives

Next up is The Rest of our Lives. You can read our short reviews here: The Rest of our Lives. The novel made it onto 0 of our predictions lists. The Booker judges had this to say about the book

‘When Tom Layward’s wife cheated on him, he stayed for the children but promised to leave when his youngest turned eighteen. Twelve years later, Tom drops his daughter off at college, but instead of driving back to New York he heads west. What follows is a remarkably satisfying road trip full of strangers, friends, and self-discovery. It’s clear author Ben Markovits has spent time teaching. This novel speaks like a much-loved professor, one whose classes have a terribly long waitlist. It’s matter of fact, effortlessly warm, and it uses the smallest parts of human behaviour to uphold bigger themes, like mortality, sickness, and love. The Rest of Our Lives is a novel of sincerity and precision. We found it difficult to put it down.’ 

What does our panel think of the odds of this book being this year’s winner? Keep reading to find out

Jen’s Thoughts: I didn’t really get the appeal of this book. I didn’t hate it, I just found it pretty uninspiring and won’t be a memorable book for me. To me, the reading experience I had with this book was like drinking lukewarm tea – like a literary fiction version of a cozy novel.
Why it Could Win: There is at least one judge on the panel who really has a thing for contemplative novels with a focus on men and masculinity.
Why it Might Not Win: It’s the least interesting book of the shortlist and if we are going with the modern masculinity angle, then Flesh should win.

Nicole’s Thoughts: I prefer not to think about how this book beat out Seascraper for the shortlist.
Why it Could Win: Somebody on the panel is contemplating end of life and holds a lot of sway.
Why it Might Not Win:  I don’t think this book had a single redeeming quality.

Tracy’s Thoughts: The Catcher in the Rye goes On the Road.
Why it Could Win: This is well-written, for what it is. To me, as I’ve had time to think, it feels like a tribute/mashup of the two books mentioned. I’m sure there’s more to this book than meets the eye.
Why it Might Not Win: A lot of navel-gazing, finger-pointing, and whining. Lots of people despise Catcher and On the Road, myself included.

Anita’s Thoughts:
Why it Could Win: It feels very of the moment with lots of cultural references placing it in the 2020’s.
Why it Might Not Win: There’s no real over-arching theme, and usually the Booker rewards either a powerful message or originality of structure or incredible storytelling or an immersive setting. While this book was enjoyable reading, I’m not sure it hits any of those notes.

Try the book for yourself! You can purchase a copy here: The Rest of our Lives

We want to hear from you? Have you read this one? Tell us what you thought of the book (link to your reviews or add a brief blurb in the comments). Do you think is will be the winner?