Because you can't have depths without surfaces.
Linda Grant, thinking about clothes, books and other matters.
Pure Collection Ltd.
Net-a-porter UK

Tuesday 9 September 2008

The Booker Prize shortlist

. . . . is announced.

The Secret Scripture - Sebastian Barry
The Sea of Poppies - Amitav Ghosh Murray
The Clothes on Their Backs - Linda Grant
The Northern Clemency - Philip Hensher
A Fraction of The Whole - Steve Toltz
The White Tiger - Aravind Adiga

The shortlisted authors were informed last Wednesday as keen-eyed readers of this site might have worked out.

All shortlisted authors will be doing a reading at the South Bank Centre in London 13 October. Details here

28 comments:

Anonymous said...

Here's some more good news for you: after a few weeks of spirited debate, my book club (based in the bustling metropolis of Opelika, Alabama, USA), has voted to read The Clothes on Their Backs next. Surely, this is a sign of good things to come.
Seriously though, congratulations. To find yourself in such good company must be greatly satisfying. Good luck to you!

Marti said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Marti said...

Mazel Tov! (spelled correctly this time)

Did you find shoes?

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!
I got your book for my birthday (54th - eek!) last week, and started it on Saturday on the train down to London. Vivien's discovery of vintage clothes struck such a chord - I still have (and wear) two beautiful 1940's jackets I bought 30 years ago (but the dealers up here in Glasgow weren't quite as colourful as the ones you describe!).
On the shoe front, I fully sympathise. I visited Liberty's new shoe dept yesterday, everything was completely flat or teeteringly high. And teetering isn't a good look. But I do hope you find something gorgeous!

PS am greatly enjoying the book - an Australian woman on the train asked about it, she'd heard you speak in Adelaide.

Unknown said...

Congratulations, Linda! I have been lurking on The Thoughtful Dresser for months now, and your good news has spurred me to begin posting. I bought "The Clothes on Their Backs" on a UK trip last spring, and think it's excellent.

If I may comment on an earlier issue, as an American I was actually looking forward to sartorially-linked political discussion on TTD. Politics is, after all, one of the things thoughtful dressers are thinking about. But I do accept your editorial decision.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations. I shall await its arriving in Italy with pleasure.

Susan B said...

Mazel Tov!!! That's fantastic and well deserved. I gave the book to my MIL to read after I'd finished it a few months back. She also thought it was great and it is still making the rounds with her friends.

Anonymous said...

Ab fab, sweetie darling! Hope you found killer heels you can walk in, and the best of luck!

Susan said...

Congratulations, Linda! Good luck with the prize - and good luck with the shoes.

Geraldine Ryan said...

Congrats, Linda! Now I get it!

Anonymous said...

That's great news - congratulations! I'll be sure to pick up a copy of your book.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Linda! I have been reading your books since "The Cast Iron Shore" and have thoroughly enjoyed them all.Hope you find some stunning shoes.

Anonymous said...

Woohoo!! The Official Linda Grant Fan Club is jumping up and down with glee!!

brenda said...

Good luck Linda - I haven't read the book but intend to - I read the memoir about your mother and loved that and have recommended to many because of your heartfelt portrayal of dementia (both my parents had Alzheimer's).

I also really like your blog - my tip is to assessorize with vintage jewellery - there is loads out there to be found in charity shops. Good for poor old mature student me who gets away with wearing some pretty plain stuff. Colourful and well-made necklaces and earrings draw away a discerning eye...I note you are a patron of the NAW. Well that's where I'm based and we don't see many patrons so if you have time...would love to meet you at one of the masterclasses!

Finally I happened to note whilst reading last Saturdays Guardian that far fewer women than men have won the Booker and since you are the only woman shortlisted I offer my absolute best wishes to you!!

Anonymous said...

The inevitable has happened. Congratulations and the very best of luck for the next step.

indigo16 said...

I am so pleased, it is a brilliant book,very evocative and beautifully written.

Anonymous said...

Mazel Tov!

Actually, I had deduced this from that shoe post, but didn't think it was up to any of us to deliver the scoop.

dana said...

Congratulations! Maybe do a flat shoe and get a fabulous clutch as Harry hints?

Anonymous said...

Fabulous news, Linda. Many congratulations and fingers crossed for you.

You deserve the win!

Tricia said...

This is fantastic news, I am so happy for you. All fingers crossed for you!

Anonymous said...

Oh, wonderful news! Congratulations, and I look forward to buying and reading the book

Anonymous said...

Delurking to say congratulations! I just placed my order and I'm looking forward to reading your book.

Miss Cavendish said...

Marvelous news!!

Anonymous said...

How did I miss this? A huge mazal tov from a fan in Melbourne! Good luck.

Anonymous said...

I am very pleased for you. Mazeltov! I think it is a great excuse to spoil yourself. Perhaps you can purchase now a new necklace as well as the shoes.

Anonymous said...

I go on, and on and on and on, to friends or strangers about how it's "vital you read 'The Cast Iron Shore' - it reinforced my life" etc etc. Now I can change the record a bit.
Oodles of good luck!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! This is so exciting!

Anonymous said...

How marvellous!! Congratulations!!

~ Anna