2016 Oct 25
by Vandana Hiranand
Literary award season is just around the corner! In light of this, we have compiled a list of the most anticipated awards, along with some of the finalists. The announcement of the nominees and finalists will no doubt add some books to your reading list for the year.
- The Nobel Prize in Literature
The mother of all literary prizes, the winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature was announced on the 13th of October. There was much speculation about who the winner may be. The 2015 prize was scooped up by non-fiction writer, Svetlana Alexievich, a rare occasion in literary history, since the Nobel Prize usually favours fiction. Many well-known authors were at the top of the list, including Japanese novelist, Haruki Murakami and Norwegian novelist and playwright, Jon Fosse. The Syrian poet, Adonis and South Korean poet, Ko Un, were also favoured to win.
However, the notable singer-songwriter Bob Dylan has scooped the prize this year! He was awarded for “having created new poetic expressions within the American song tradition”. Many have found this choice surprising and have criticized the committee, since Dylan is largely viewed as a musician. However, Dylan was awarded for his poetic prowess and talent. Born in 1941 in Duluth, Minnesota, Dylan expressed a love for music in early years. He eventually grew to become an incredibly famous singer and songwriter. The Nobel Prize committee has stated that his albums “revolve around topics like the social conditions of man, religion, politics and love”.
- The Man Booker Prize
The winners for the Man Booker Prize will be announced on October 25th. This award has previously been won by authors such as Eleanor Catton, Richard Flanagan, and Marlon James. This year’s six finalists have been announced! Let’s take a look at them below.
The Sellout – Paul Beatty
The Winner of the 2015 National Book Critics Circle Award in Fiction, The Sellout is a bold tale about race in America, and a young man’s isolated upbringing and race trial that sends him to the Supreme Court. It was further listed in the top 10 books of 2015 by The New York Times Book Review.
Hot Milk – Deborah Levy
Levy’s novel is a strong exploration of a trouble mother-daughter relationship, the struggle to overcome hypochondria, the sting of sexuality and value of experimenting with life. It has widely received positive reviews, complimenting Levy’s attention to detail and writing style. The book was further shortlisted for The Goldsmiths Prize 2016.
His Bloody Project – Graeme Macrae Burnet
Burnet’s novel revolves around a triple murder set in 19th century Scotland. Rather than the usual focus on attempting to catch the murderer, the book focuses on the psychology of the character who has committed the crime, exploring the theme of insanity within the justice system.
Eileen – Otessa Moshfegh
Moshfegh’s novel is about a young woman working at a juvenile detention center in the 1960’s, who is pulled into a very strange crime. Set in New England, it is a story about obsession and suspense. Moshfegh has received much praise on platforms such as the Book Review and is now regarded one of the most original and brightest new voices in contemporary literature
All That Man Is – David Szalay
Szalay’s work is a composition of narratives from nine men, each of them navigating a different stage of life and facing unique challenges. This novel is a portrayal of 21st century European Manhood. Szalay’s novel was also the winner of the 2016 Paris Review Plimpton Prize for Fiction.
Do Not Say We Have Nothing – Madeleine Thien
Thien’s novel investigates the effects of Mao’s Cultural Revolution by following the lives of three musician friends through the changes faced by the country. The author has crafted unforgettable characters and outlined one of the most important political moments of the past century.
- 5 Under 35
Awarded by the National Book Foundation, this prize recognizes promising debut fiction writers under the age of 35. The five winners this year are as follows:
The Mothers – Brit Bennett
An emotionally thrilling tale of young love, community, and ambition, Bennett has crafted a bestseller. Her mesmerizing first novel is set within a contemporary black community in Southern California. Bennett has received much praise on various platforms.
Homegoing – Yaa Gyasi
This novel is an unforgettable New York Times bestseller, which explores the world of slavery and is traced through generations down the line. The novel further delves into the legacy of slavery within light of the present day.
Prodigals: Stories – Greg Jackson
Jackson outlines the lives and stories of various characters, illustrating their passion and perversity through life’s tempests, in a quest for meaning and authenticity. Prodigals is an interesting look into stories rarely explored.
Transoceanic Lights – S. Li
Li’s novel highlights the story of three families who immigrate to the US from a post-Mao China. Plagued with financial burdens, a longing for the comfort and familiarity of home, and the discord between family members, this novel navigates the lives of his characters seamlessly.
Hall of Small Mammals: Stories – Thomas Pierce
This book is comprised of a creative collection of short stories from the debut American storyteller. The stories attempt to understand the concept of existence, and are equally mysterious, exquisite, interwoven, and connected.
- The National Book Awards
Easily the most popular awards, they are divided into four categories: fiction, nonfiction, poetry and young people’s literature. The winners will be announced on the 16th of November. Meanwhile, the shortlisted books have been released! Await our next article, which will include an overview of the nominees and their work.
