2020 Booker Prize Shortlist Announced
The Booker Prize shortlist was announced on September 15, 2020. The Booker Prize is one of the world's most prestigious literary awards.
In previous years, the prize has honoured literary superstars like Margaret Atwood and Salman Rushdie. However, this year's shortlist celebrates new voices. It includes four debut novels from authors Diane Cook, Avni Doshi, Douglas Stuart and Brandon Taylor.
These four debut novelists have something else in common: American citizenship. American writers, who have only been eligible for the award since 2013, dominate this year representing four out of the six nominations. Cook, Doshi, and Taylor were all born in the United States and Stuart, who has lived in New York for two decades, has dual Scottish/American citizenship.
This year's finalists give readers an opportunity to travel, hearing stories from other places and other times.
The New Wilderness by Diane Cook
In her debut novel, Diane Cook writes about a woman and her daughter struggling to survive as life on planet Earth becomes less and less habitable.
Real Life by Brandon Taylor
A gay, Black biochemistry student at a mostly white Midwest college struggles with overt and subtle racism while trauma from his childhood in Alabama resurfaces.
The Shadow King by Maaza Mengiste
Set during Mussolini's 1935 invasion of Ethiopia, a young woman embarks on a daring plan to help fight against the much better equipped Italian soldiers.
Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart
A poverty-stricken family in Glasgow fights to stay afloat as Margaret Thatcher's policies make that practically impossible.
This Mournable Body by Tsitsi Dangarembga
A woman in 1990s Zimbabwe with skills, ambition and determination is slowly crushed by the realization that no matter what she does, circumstances beyond her control will prevent her from achieving her goals.
Not yet published in Canada
Burnt Sugar by Avni Doshi
Set in India, a woman and her daughter contend with their changing roles as the mother ages and grows increasingly helpless.
The winner will be announced on November 17, 2020. If you missed it, here's the 2020 Booker Prize Longlist.
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