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bexlrose's review against another edition
5.0
Finished reading Lost For Words by Edward St Aubyn. I just love this writer. The book is a brilliantly witty takedown of literary pretension and the 'literati'. I imagine it must be based on the Man Booker prize and judges. It's wonderfully funny and wry. 5 stars.
angus_mckeogh's review against another edition
3.0
Great idea for a book. But was left feeling a lot more could have been done with it.
katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
Behind the scenes of a book award. Snooping for book lovers.
Very funny. A look at the judges and nominees, the wrangling and dealing (and occasional reading) that goes on as a longlist becomes a shortlist becomes a winner.
From the MP involved because he's a little bored of the day job to the judge wanting to bestow an honour on a worthy recipient, the team of judges give us an idea of the process of reading and determining how an award winner becomes the final choice. Though it's quite shocking how easily books are dismissed or used as pawns as critics and supporters vie for their own choices are discussed.
The writers themselves also feature, from the woman every man lusts after to the man certain his work is destined for greatness.
I had a few issues keeping up with character names for a while, audiobooks aren't always the best format for every genre, but after a while I was able to distinguish characters and their histories. The reader managed to give each a unique voice.
A very funny look at the hypocrisy and machinations that might go on to select the 'best' in any award category.
Very funny. A look at the judges and nominees, the wrangling and dealing (and occasional reading) that goes on as a longlist becomes a shortlist becomes a winner.
From the MP involved because he's a little bored of the day job to the judge wanting to bestow an honour on a worthy recipient, the team of judges give us an idea of the process of reading and determining how an award winner becomes the final choice. Though it's quite shocking how easily books are dismissed or used as pawns as critics and supporters vie for their own choices are discussed.
The writers themselves also feature, from the woman every man lusts after to the man certain his work is destined for greatness.
I had a few issues keeping up with character names for a while, audiobooks aren't always the best format for every genre, but after a while I was able to distinguish characters and their histories. The reader managed to give each a unique voice.
A very funny look at the hypocrisy and machinations that might go on to select the 'best' in any award category.
mildemakrel's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
bailo2's review against another edition
3.0
This novel is a satire focused on a prestigious literary competition in the UK and the authors lobbying for the award. My word for it is meh. Good enough to finish, not good enough for me to say much about it. It doesn’t exactly scream satire either. The humor is a bit flat in my opinion.
cradman's review against another edition
3.0
Lost for words tells the story of a coveted English literary prize. As readers we meet the committee of judges, the short-listed authors and their people, and a full cast of extras.
Because there are so many voices in this narrative, it's tough to follow. Add to that the many sections of novel (some fun, most tedious) from the competition, and this book experience is a bit confusing. I liked some of the voices, but many were annoying.
Because there are so many voices in this narrative, it's tough to follow. Add to that the many sections of novel (some fun, most tedious) from the competition, and this book experience is a bit confusing. I liked some of the voices, but many were annoying.
bahoulie's review against another edition
3.0
Beautifully written sentences, but not really too much to the book.