Shortlist Selection

The Man Booker Prize’s youngest reading group?

Year 13 from Heart of England School debate the shortlist

21 October 2011

Year 13 from Heart of England School in Balsall Common, West Midlands undertook a rather different academic assignment this term - to read and critique the entire Man Booker shortlist. Reading all six books in just a few weeks, the group discovered a joy in digesting and debating the novels, with opinions fiercely divided. We met them at the Man Booker Prize Waterstone's event on Mon 17 October, where they heard five of the shortlisted authors discuss their books, and the class were lucky enough to meet the writers afterwards. The group had travelled all the way down from the Midlands on a school night for the event, and were very excited to attend.

Nancy Shaw from the year wrote about the experience.

"Fun, engaging and entertaining - for me and my fellow school friends it has been just that for the past few weeks. After joining a shadowing book club for the prize at my sixth form, I didn't really know what to expect from the novels after hearing rumours of daunting long lists and intimidating, challenging reads but to my surprise the books were, while obviously very accomplished pieces, also entertaining and, dare I say it, accessible. From the adventure of Jamrach's Menagerie to the devastatingly funny narration of Harrison Opuku in Pigeon English, each book has been more than a pleasure to read. It's been great in the group as we were all able to share our different opinions and perspectives on the books - though it has often led to quite heated discussions - and I would definitely recommend it to anyone of my age group. Next year, count me in!"

Anna James, the librarian at the school whose idea it was to read the Man Booker title said,

"The shortlist has provoked some heated discussions with some members' favourites at the bottom of others' rankings. However two books emerged as favourites: Pigeon English and The Sense of an Ending. Pigeon English was described "compelling and absorbing" and a "stimulating novel which leaves a long lasting impression". The Sense of an Ending was deemed "full of passion with secrets you couldn't imagine".

The most divisive books were definitely Snowdrops and Jamrach's Menagerie with opinions about Snowdrops ranging from "the best book I've ever read" and "contemporary with an interesting twist" to "distinctively average". Opinions on Jamrach's Menagerie ranged from "I wouldn't be fussed if I hadn't read it" to "strange and powerful images that stuck in my head." The Sisters Brothers didn't initially appeal to many readers but those who read it really enjoyed it, finding the characterisation of Eli and his first person narrative particularly compelling and appealing. Half Blood Blues was the least favourite with the kids, who struggled to get involved in the story."

The Man Booker Prize Fiction at its finest