Women’s Fiction Prize Challenge (Part 1)

Hello, darlings! It’s Marta and I’m back with the post I’ve promised you about Women’s Prize for Fiction. I’ve been oblivious about this award for a huge part of my life (I’m ashamed of it, really), but I thought I’d make up for this by trying to read most of the books on the longlist before the results come up in June.

I’ll update you while I make progress on my TBR – I hope to write a review for each book or at least some mini reviews if I’m going to binge-read them.

There are 16 books on that list, I’ve already read one – Circe by Madeline Miller – you can find my review here. It’s one of my favorite books of all the time, so if the other books on the list are on that level, well… I’m going to be very happy.

I’m going to tell you a little bit about what I’ve gathered from the blurbs of those books, what my expectations are and maybe I’ll persuade you to read some of the books on the list as well!

Let’s get right into it!

#1. Normal People by Sally Rooney

This book has some raving reviews, the subject is something that’s not particularly out of my comfort zone – it’s about a romance, differences between partners, apparently has political themes as well. I really love the cover though, I think it’s kind of metaphorical for the whole book and I love the vibe I’m getting.

This might be one of the books I’d love to start with because it’s more of something I believe I will enjoy.

 

#2. My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

This is one of the few books that have been on my radar before the longlist had been announced. I’ve wanted to read it for some time now because I’ve heard it’s comical – which is surprising considering the title. I’m excited about this one and I think I’ll love it because a book about someone whose sister is a killer and the many ambivalent feelings that surely will come with this sounds exceptional.

 

#3. Ordinary People by Diana Evans

I have doubts about this one. It sounds like a great character-focused story, but themes like divorces, misunderstandings within couples can either be a win for me or a big disappointment. It really depends on the writing. I’m excited to see what will be the case here.

Again, what a great and meaningful cover!

#4. An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

I’ve heard many positive things about this one, but I still have no idea what happens – the blurb is also kind of vague. It’s obviously about a marriage and marital issues. Oprah chose it for her book club and some people I trust also loved it – I’m excited, but I’ll set my expectations as low because I don’t really know what to expect from this book.

 

 

#5. The Silence of The Girls by Pat Barker

I’M SO EXCITED FOR THIS BOOK. I’ve been excited for so long. However, I’ve been putting off reading it because I want to own the physical copy – it seems like a book that I want on my shelf. I’m hoping I can find it on a lower price at some point.

It’s a retelling of Troy, it’s told from the women’s perspective, helping their voices be heard. I think it has a very realistic portrayal of Achilles and I just can’t wait to get my hands on it!

#6. The Pisces by Melissa Broder

This book sounds very hilarious to me, a newly single protagonist tries online dating and then somehow ends up dating a merman??? It’s either a hot mess or one of the most unique books ever. I can’t wait to see which one it will be!

Those covers are exceptional, I know I keep saying this, but they are perfect!!!

There are 10 other books (including Circe) on the longlist, I’m probably going to talk about them in another post because this one was already getting a bit crowded. I’m still going to update you as I read them – I hope I start them soon!

Have you read any of the books I’ve mentioned?

Would you want to take on this challenge as well?