So, I failed.
Ho hum. I land in your inbox to tell which of the books was my favourite and the one I think will win – yes, even minus 2 books! (A review for Enter Ghost will be coming, but it’s a difficult one to summarise on a topic so delicate.) To be honest, I’m pretty confident I’ve found the winner just by reading 4…
Okay it’s not that dramatic, but I didn’t get through the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2024 shortlist before this week’s announcement as I’d intended. And when one’s standards are very high, one gets disappointed in oneself.
This year’s books vary in literary themes, ranging from 1st, to 2nd, to third person, poetry to prose and most genres you could think of within women’s fiction – and in particular, feminism. Some I liked far more than others, whilst they varied from character to plot-driven stories. I’ve previously written about the books I’ve read so far, including Restless Dolly Maunder; The Wren, The Wren; and Soldier Sailor.
Which was my favourite?
Let’s get to the point… Restless Dolly Maunder by Kate Grenville*!
I am a sucker for a coming-of-age novel, especially when it’s based on someone’s life, as it was on Grenville’s grandmother. And the storytelling was just beautiful. The close-third-person narrative helped me understand Dolly’s frustration as she kept coming up against being a woman in the 1800s-1900s.
But do I think it will win? No, I don’t. Based on past winners, it tends to be rogue, very different from what you’d expect, or creates some transcending feeling for the reader.
Which book do I think will WIN the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2024?
Drumroll… Without a doubt, Enter Ghost by Isabelle Hammad*.
I don’t need to tell you the importance of context and what is happening in the world right now in Gaza, so I won’t be at all surprised if this very relevant novel wins by shining even more of a light on creating art in the midst of war.
Final thoughts
This year’s shortlist was definitely far more diverse compared to previous years. Whilst I didn’t get through the hsortlist in time, it’s opened me up to some wonderful authors I’d like to read more of, such as Kate Grenville.
I’m hoping to finish the remaining 2 books; Brotherless Night by V. V. Ganeshananthan* and River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure*, so keep an eye out for reviews here and on my YouTube in the near future, if you are interested!
Disclaimer: Links marked with * indicate an affiliate link. This does not cost you anything extra, but helps support my channel where I may earn a small commission. Thank you for your support if you choose to purchase through this link and use my discount codes! Thank you for your support! xx
Lizzie's Week 