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curlystraw's review against another edition
Didn't find it that interesting. Felt like the plot described in the blur was only a small part of what happened in the half I read.
lulumoss's review against another edition
3.0
The backstage machinations of a book-prize committee's selection process. I'm sure it was good, I just didn't really enjoy it. The excerpts from the nominated books were the problem for me. I'm pretty sure they were meant to be as bad as I felt they were, but I'm not sure. Maybe I have just lost my ability to recognize the difference between literature and fiction. I prefer some murders, a semi-alcoholic British detective, 2 plot twists, and a long arc sub-plot. I should just stick to reading those - they make me happy.
kristianawithak's review against another edition
2.0
I didn't buy into this and thus was left not really invested throughout. There were parts that were funny, the idea behind it is funny. Perhaps if I'd been in a different mood I would have liked it more.
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