Orange Prize!

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The winner:
The Lacuna: A Novel


My reaction: Hmm. I did finally finish it last night (review coming tomorrow), and I'm disappointed it won. I'll share my full thoughts with my review tomorrow.

The Mock Orange Prize results: Sunday, I posted a poll for readers of this blog to vote. The only thing clear from the results are how different our tastes are!

  • There was an even split on who we WANT to win between four novels: Black Water Rising, A Gate at the Stairs, The Lacuna and White Woman on the Green Bicycle
  • There was a clear winner on we THINK will win: The Lacuna. (I have smart readers!) Wolf Hall and White Woman on the Green Bicycle also got votes.
  • As for books left off the shortlist (that were on the longlist): The Help, The Rehearsal, and This Is How. I wish I would have asked what books on the shortlist weren't deserving, but I'll remember next year!
  • There was only one vote for a book left off the longlist: The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood.

What's next?
Reading the longlist! I ordered the other four books not available in the U.S., and they arrived this week. Once I devour Wolf Hall, I'll get started on the longlist. I also plan to read the three titles nominated for the Orange Award for New Writers.

Next year: Yes, I am seriously considering a trip to London for the Orange Prize readings and announcement. I've been hankering to travel to England again, and I adore the Orange Prize. I would love to take it all in in person. I'll start saving my money and hope the long and shortlists are as inspiring next year as it is this year.


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Comments

  1. UnknownJune 9, 2010 at 2:50 PM

    I'm disappointed too. The Poisonwood Bible was much better - The Lacuna lacked emotion in my opinion.

    I hope that you enjoy the rest of the long list - you are in for a few treats!!

    I'm planning to read the rest of the New Writers short list too. I have already read After the Fire and have a copy of The Book of Fires already - I hope I enjoy them more than the short listed books!

    Let me know if you make it for the readings next year - I'd love to come along :-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Melissa (Avid Reader)June 9, 2010 at 3:03 PM

    That is disappointing. I read it and felt very ambivalent towards it. Not bad, but not nearly as good as Poisonwood.

    Side note- any excuse for a trip to London is a great idea!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJune 9, 2010 at 3:55 PM

    Pthffpt. That's how I feel about it...both the book and the fact that it one. I guess I just don't get Kingsolver.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AndiJune 9, 2010 at 8:29 PM

    I've never read any of her fiction, but from the buzz around the blogosphere, this might not be the right place to start!

    ReplyDelete
  5. AmusedJune 9, 2010 at 11:14 PM

    Oh this was such a disappointment to me! I love Kingslover but Lacuna was such a let down. Looking forward to your take on the book.

    ReplyDelete
  6. (Diane) Bibliophile By the SeaJune 12, 2010 at 5:29 PM

    Sorry this was disappointing. I do still hope to give it a try.

    ReplyDelete

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