Reading All the Bookers!

Booker Prize:   2020 Shortlisted Plot Time and Place :   In the near future, in the wild. Opening sentence :   "The baby emerged from Bea the color of a bruise." Plot summary :  The book tells the story of a group of strangers who, as part of an experiment, are living as nomads in the last wildlife region. The story is centered around Bea and her daughter Agnes, and explores the mother-daughter relationship. Bea joined the experiment to save young Agnes from dying, as her lungs were damaged by the polluted air of the City. Review :  Interesting bits and food for thought: -a cry for help for the natural world/ climate change/ climate refugees; -how we humans always destroy the natural world; -interesting to think how quickly we humans would regress into a "primitive" state; -how would people adapt to living as nomads; -feelings between mother/ daughter Bits I didn't like so much: -boring to read, not very well written, flat characters, bad dialogue, not a c...

  Booker Prize :  Shortlisted 2023 Plot Time and Place : Jamaica, Miami; the 1970's, Present time Opening sentence :  "It begins with "What are you?" hollered from the perimeter of your front yard when you're nine - younger, probably." Plot summary :  The story of Trelawney, the son of Jamaican immigrants to America, trying to find his place in the world, and his identity, while trying to overcome his rivalry with his brother, and issues with his father. Review :  I wasn't much into it in the beginning. The Jamaican accent in writing proved pretty hard to read, and the main character wasn't all that likable. But then it grew on me. It's funny, and sad at the same time. I liked the elements of sibling rivalry, and trying to get by in the U.S. I also found it interesting that people seem to be so obsessed about race (and putting people into boxes) in America. Rating :   3/5

  Booker Prize :   Shortlisted 2024 Plot Time and Place : 19th century Missouri, USA Opening sentence :  "Those little bastards were hiding out there in the tall grass." Plot summary :  This book is a reimagining of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn", by Mark Twain (published in 1884), but this time the story is told from the point of view of the enslaved Jim (the titular character). Review :  This book should be read after reading "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain. I found it very easy to read, and very interesting to see things from Jim's perspective. However, I found some elements of the story, like the way that Jim talks, and the fact that he can read and write, totally unrealistic.  Rating :   4/5

  Booker Prize :  Shortlisted 2024 Plot Time and Place :  Present day France Opening sentence :  "Neanderthals were prone to depression, he said." Plot summary :  Sadie Smith - an American undercover agent of ruthless tactics, bold opinions and clean beauty - is sent by her mysterious but powerful employers to a remote corner of France. Her mission: to infiltrate a commune of radical eco-activists led by the charismatic svengali Bruno Lacombe. (from thebookerprizes.com) Review :   A great read, fast-paced, intelligent, thought-provoking and surprising. And a great female protagonist: cynical, strong and independent.  Rating :   4/5