Why even write this post given that I’ve been carrying on about Charlotte Wood’s The Natural Way of Things since day dot? I think it will win the 2016 Stella Prize tonight (actually, in about two hours).
The Natural Way of Things has it all – it’s relevant; it’s current; it makes you think very hard about things that are hard to think about; the sense of place is exquisite; and Wood writes with such sparing beauty that some sentences left me breathless. But the real strength is in its lasting impression – there are many elements of this book that will stay with me: rabbits, fungi, hair removal, dolls and those bloody gift bags…. The gift bags were Wood’s masterstroke.
So, just for fun, I’ve ranked the shortlist. I’ll never know if I’m right because judging panels are too polite to reveal rankings (I don’t even know if this is a thing).
1. The Natural Way of Things by Charlotte Wood
2. Six Bedrooms by Tegan Bennett Daylight
3. Small Acts of Disappearance: Essays on Hunger by Fiona Wright
4. A Few Days in the Country: and other stories by Elizabeth Harrower
5. The World Without Us by Mireille Juchau
6. Hope Farm by Peggy Frew
Taking part in the Stella Shortlist Book Group is one of the highlights of my reading year so really, whatever the outcome tonight, it’s been another swell year.
I’m out at book club tonight but will check back in later. I reckon you’re right about Numbers 1 & 2. If it isn’t Wood, it’ll be TBD, or FW.
I hope your book group watched the live Twitter announcement!
We checked in once our discussion was finished… Really happy for Charlotte!
I just saw the news in social media and you certainly picked it. Well done! It’s actually the only of the books I’ve read….
I just thought it’s one of those books that deals with something so topical that it’s hard to ignore. And that it is beautifully written.
Why do I have to wait until June 28th to get CW book. Does it have to do with the publisher? Very annoying….
I agree, SO UNFAIR (but will be worth the wait!).
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Pingback: Stella Prize 2016 | booksaremyfavouriteandbest
I tried to do my bet at the TAB. Guy pissed himself laughing. Nae luck!
And I thought they’d let people bet on anything these days!
They don’t do literary prizes. Their loss, I say.
It’s been so interesting reading your reviews of these books–I’m going to keep an eye ou for the Stella Prize next year 🙂
Thank you. I really enjoy the way the Stella organisers run the shortlist book group – I guess because I like Twitter and using that as the forum for a short, intense discussion appeals to me. And every year, I enjoy other people’s opinions – this year, the Wright book was the one that I enjoyed discussing the most because everyone had such different perspectives.