Ranking the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction Shortlist & Predicting the Winner

In this video I rank the six books shortlisted for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction as well as attempting to predict the winner. The ranking is based on my personal opinions but I have the utmost respect for all authors and think they've all done an incredible job to make the shortlist. Have you read any of the shortlist? what are your favourites?
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
01:01 Honourable Mentions
02:52 6th Place
04:38 5th Place
06:21 4th Place
09:12 3rd Place
11:20 2nd Place
13:22 1st Place
15:02 Predicting the Winner

[@WalterScottPrizes]

Dan thank you so much for this thoughtful review and ranking of the books! Delighted you found so much to enjoy in this year's Walter Scott Prize shortlist.

[@DanUniAndBooks]

Thank you. It’s a great selection with some wonderful books. Can’t wait to find out the winner tomorrow 😊

[@SavidgeReads]

I have always been a fan of this prize and what it’s doing! I’ve not read the shortlist for years as it’s always around Women’s Prize season which is my bae. I’m surprised they’re announcing on the same day. Anyway, great set of thoughts. Shame about Tremain, she’s one of my fav authors though I’ve not read that one yet. Also a big Myers fan. I really want to read your four, three and two picks, Hungry Ghosts is my next book club pick. I loved The New Life. What a book!

[@DanUniAndBooks]

I’ve bought the shortlist for the Women’s Prize but haven’t got around to reading but will get on to it over the next few months, but if you have any suggestions on where to start, would be much appreciated. I think with Tremain’s Absolutely & Forever I just wanted a bit more as it was quite short and wanted to see what the character did next and see their development more, although the writing was fab. Hungry Ghosts & The New Life are both great reads which have stayed with me long after reading and I think both would be worthy winners, but I did also enjoy In The Upper Country and The House of Doors.

[@antonypearce8477]

Dan thank you for this overview, really useful. Please keep the videos going, I’m enjoying your reflections on your reading, so well considered and accessible.

[@DanUniAndBooks]

Thank you for the lovely feedback. I hope to continue for the foreseeable just at my own pace reading the books that interest me 😊

[@katiejlumsden]

Great to hear your thoughts! My two favourites from the shortlist were your two favourites, too. Good predicting!!

[@DanUniAndBooks]

Great minds think alike. For me it was only really between my top 2 for the win as both managed to incorporate a literary feel into a novel that also had a substantial and enjoyable plot