Women’s Prize for Fiction 2023 Shortlist Reaction

The shortlist for the 2023 Women's Prize for Fiction is here! It looks like a solid list except I didn't like one of the shortlisted novels and there's at least one major surprise. Expand for more information. 👇
Links 💻
The Women’s Prize Site: womensprizefor...
Rachel Joyce’s Guardian Article: www.theguardia...
Further Viewing 🎥
My Longlist Reaction: • Women’s Prize Longlist...
Winner Reaction From Last Year: • Women’s Prize for Fict...
My Favorite Books of 2022: • The Best Books of 2022
My Pulitzer Prize Predictions: • Pulitzer Prize Predict...
My Spoiler Review of The Marriage Portrait: • A Spoiler Rant Review ...
The Shortlist 📚
Fire Rush, Jacqueline Crooks
Trespasses, Louise Kennedy
Demon Copperhead, Barbara Kingsolver
Black Butterflies, Priscilla Morris
The Marriage Portrait, Maggie O’Farrell
Pod, Laline Paull
Books We Say Goodbye to From the Longlist 📕
Children of Paradise, Camilla Grudova
Cursed Bread, Sophie Mackintosh
Glory, NoViolet Bulawayo
Homesick, Jennifer Croft
I’m a Fan, Sheena Patel
Memphis, Tara M. Stringfellow
Stone Blind, Natalie Haynes
The Bandit Queens, Parini Shroff
The Dog of the North, Elizabeth McKenzie
Wandering Souls, Cecile Pin
My husband made a cookbook! Check it out here:
www.blurb.com/...
But wait, there's more!
Email: supposedlyfungreg-at-gmail.com
Storygraph: app.thestorygr...
Instagram: / supposedlyfun
Twitter: / supposedlyfun
Website: supposedlyfun....

[@spexi513]

I’m glad I read Bandit Queens- I found it empowering and funny

[@SupposedlyFun]

I look forward to reading it!

[@juliemorrow174]

Leena Norms read all of them and ranked Pod as her number one and is raving about it - so definitely some mixed reactions we're seeing.

[@SupposedlyFun]

The response in the comments alone has been fascinating.

[@awebofstories]

I was very sad to not see Wandering Souls on the list. I can't compare it to the other books as it was the only one I've read so far, but I really loved it. I do hope that you read it when you have the chance!

[@SupposedlyFun]

All the great feedback on Wandering Souls has me even more excited to read it.

[@kdonaldson7308]

I don’t know if you watch Leena Norms but POD is her choice for winner. But I know a lot of people were disappointed about Bandit Queens not being on the short list. I’ve only read I’m a fan so far and I wasn’t surprised it didn’t make it to the short list.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Lots of love for Bandit Queens in the comments and I am so glad to hear it.

[@cindyfreese254]

I’m about halfway through Fire Rush and I’m very impressed with how the author weaves music into the narrative. It’s very powerful. My favorite is still Demon and hope it wins.

[@SupposedlyFun]

That sounds fascinating. Thanks for the feedback on Fire Rush.

[@Cosimoro72]

I loved "Pod". Definitely my choice for the prize. I've read all 16 books, I hated 4, I liked 3 more or less and I loved 9 of them: Black Butterflies by Priscilla Morris Children of Paradise by Camilla Grudova Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow Pod by Laline Paull Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes The Dog of the North by Elizabeth McKenzie The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell Wandering Souls by Cecile Pin I felt very sad seeing that "Memphis", "Children of Paradise" and "The Dog of the North" didn't make the shortlist... You should give a chance to "The Dog of the North", nevermind the description.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thanks for the feedback on them.

[@oliviaacosta6239]

I read Demon Copperhead and I loved it. I hope she wins

[@SupposedlyFun]

Me too!

[@carolynmonahan2488]

Demon Copperhead is my favorite but I just read Trespasses and find it really good. I too was disappointed by The Marriage Portrait. So many people were sad about Bandit Queens so I will read it soon. I just got Black Butterflies and had to order from Waterstones in London.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I ordered a copy of Wandering Souls on Indie Bookstore Day-the positive feedback I’ve gotten on it made me unable to wait. But I’ve also heard a lot of good about Black Butterflies. Trespasses has been a bit mixed in the comments but I’m still looking forward to it.

[@katyakaplan225]

I haven't read Pod but what I will say is that I did read her book The Bees, which is told from the perspective of a bee, and it was beautifully done. It's not cutesy or gimmicky at all, it never felt cloying or anything. I thought it was clever and very well-executed, so I'd imagine she manages to do the same in Pod, or at least I'd have high expectations that she could.

[@SupposedlyFun]

From the comments, I really think people didn’t know the book would be a bit brutal. That’s probably caused a lot of the negative reaction.

[@katyakaplan225]

@@SupposedlyFun I can understand that, and am glad I'm aware of that issue because I'm not good with that kind of content. Kind of a shame, I did love The Bees and was looking forward to more from her.

[@SupposedlyFun]

@@katyakaplan225 I've heard good things about The Bees.

[@spexi513]

Absolutely agree regarding the urgency bit. I’ve already raved about Demon Copperhead in your comments many times, so no secret that’s my pick. I read Stone Blind, Bandit Queens, Marriage Portrait & Memphis & am currently reading Pod….. and I actually am REALLY loving it whilst it breaks my heart .

[@SupposedlyFun]

From the comments, I think a lot of people were not expecting to have their hearts broken by Pod.

[@nimbustuba]

Interesting to hear your thoughts about the author of Memphis handles herself online. I don’t know anything specific about this situation, but it brings to mind a new non-fiction book called Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma, by Claire Dederer. I haven’t read it yet, but there’s quite a buzz around it. It explores the questions of if and how we can separate the bad behaviors of artist from their work.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Interesting. I hadn’t made the connection.

[@KierTheScrivener]

I really did love The Marriage Portrait but I agree with wanting another book on the shortlist. I am so disappointed by Wandering Souls not making it. It was my favourite. As well as the Bandit Queens I liked and hoped to see it. I haven't read but I wanted to read I'm A Fan.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I'm going to have to try to get to Wandering Souls.

[@Bessie-On-Wheels]

I loved the Bandit Queens and Wondering Souls also liked Fire Rush Hall way through Trespassers which is fantastic. Pod was a bit too much although could see what it was trying to do. Based on what I have read so far if Deamon doesn't win I would like to see Trespassers take it.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I've read three and both Demon and Tresspasses feel like solid winners. I'm not sold on Marriage Portrait and at this point will not get to the others before the announcement.

[@theresaemig2328]

I loved Pod & I'm bummed by the reaction videos I've seen with people crushed that it was included. I was totally sucked into the story. I don't think it will win, but I do think it deserved its spot. Although I am bummed that Bandit Queens & Wandering Souls didn't make it.

[@SupposedlyFun]

From the comments, I don't think a lot of people were expecting Pod to be a heavy book in the way that it is.

[@KurtAnderson812]

Demon Copperhead was my favorite of last year as well. It’s definitely a favorite for the prize.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I really hope it wins at least one major book prize.

[@StephaniePatterson-jb5it]

I'm not sure I would call Britta Boehler's reaction "effusive," but she talks about in a very positive and interesting way.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I'll have to go watch!

[@helenabbott7015]

Thanks

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you!

[@lauracorsi3309]

I enjoyed Memphis quite a bit, but I did not think it was as strong as some of the others so even without the controversy I did not have this one on my shortlist predictions list. I really thought they picked a great shortlist.

[@SupposedlyFun]

My feelings about Marriage Portrait aside, I agree that it's a strong shortlist.

[@FeelToBelieve]

I was way underwhelmed by Tresspasses, but adored Black Butterflies.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@barbaraschmitt85]

Laline Paull was also nominated before (in 2015 with the bees). I also DNF'd Pod, mostly because of the writing style. Wandering souls was good but I at times felt like I was reading a memoir or Non-fiction rather than a novel. Children of Paradise lost me at the end with its over the top ridiculousness (it was meant to be satire so a certain amount of that was always meant to be there but it just got too much in the last 3rd or so). Dog of the north was just bad and I seriously question why it was longlisted (and not for example Gabrielle Zevin). Reading I'm a fan at the moment and it's another book with an important message that could loose people with the writing style (stream of consciousness and characters with no names other than "the man I want to be with" or "the woman I'm obsessed with". And it's always the whole thing, sometimes several times on one page) I haven't yet read any of the shortlist because they were all very popular at the library but they are slowly coming in so I should manage them until june 14.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts so far. I look forward to hearing about how you get on with the shortlist come June 14!

[@katherineshelton]

I was lukewarm about Trespasses. I went through a period when I read a lot of really great books about Ireland (and Northern Ireland), like Claire Keegan's book, and Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe, and I watched the movie Belfast (which I really enjoyed). So, maybe I spoiled the book for myself. But I just thought the central relationship was weird and uninteresting and frankly dull. I don't know how one makes a relationship between a Catholic and a Protestant during the troubles in Northern Ireland dull, but somehow... But that's just me.

[@SupposedlyFun]

It would definitely be possible to overdose on narratives about the Troubles if one wanted to.

[@zehrazaidi4293]

I have Black Butterflies and Trespasses on my TBR and going to get Bandit Queens and Fire Rush. I am convinced the winner is here. DNFed Wandering Souls, felt a bit newsy and couldn’t quite connect to characters, and DNFed Marriage Portrait after loving Hamnet.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I've been relieved after the comments because it's good to know I'm not the only one who felt that way about Marriage Portrait.

[@zehrazaidi4293]

By the way, I read Demon. Know you love it. A masterpiece of writing but I did find it relentlessly bleak (but then in the UK, we haven’t got that level of opioid crisis so perhaps I just couldn’t connect as much). I really wanted his foster father not to be a jerk. That floored me; he could have been fine. Reckon it could win though x

[@SupposedlyFun]

@@zehrazaidi4293 Not that I'm an expert, but as someone who has known foster kids, Demon felt like an unfortunately accurate depiction of how bad things pile on these kids to the point where it's a miracle if they survive to adulthood and manage to live a good life.

[@zehrazaidi4293]

@@SupposedlyFun by the way Trespasses is GORGEOUS!!!

[@SupposedlyFun]

@@zehrazaidi4293 Good to know--thanks!

[@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf]

I also love Demon Copperhead so much! Very glad to see it on the shortlist and I want it to win. I have two left to read on the shortlist which are Trespasses and Black Butterflies. Fire Rush is an excellent debut, I loved the rhythm of it, but it wasn’t a favourite overall. Still a great book though. 😊📚

[@SupposedlyFun]

If Demon Copperhead manages to not win a single major book prize after The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois was snubbed last year, I'm going to be very upset.

[@Nina_DP]

I think Britta Bohler loved Pod? I haven’t read any of these, but am most interested in Wandering Souls and Bandit Queens.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Wandering Souls and Bandit Queens have gotten great feedback in the comments.

[@laurab2572]

In my case; I was surprised that wandering souls was not included in the short list. It's a gread debut novel

[@SupposedlyFun]

I really look forward to reading it.

[@DC-iz6nb]

I agree with “The Marriage Portrait” as I gave up but may finish as it was short listed. I also have no interest in “Pod”. My vote is for “Demon Copperhead”.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Fingers crossed for Demon Copperhead!

[@CreativelyBria]

I have Trespasses on my TBR but now I can’t wait to read Demon Copperhead. I hadn’t known what it was about until today but I’m very interested. Fire Rush sounds like a great read too. Most people who I follow that read Hamnet didn’t like the marriage portrait. And tbh the marriage portrait blurb didn’t sound as strong as the others from that article.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I agree-Marriage Portrait doesn’t sound anywhere near as compelling as the others.

[@bookofdust]

I’m happy Trespasses made the short list, but sad that Wandering Souls and Bandit Queens got left behind. I’m about 30% into Fire Rush and it seems to have rightly deserves it’s spot.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I've been pleased to hear so many positive things about Bandit Queens in the comments. I'm really looking forward to it (and Wandering Souls).

[@brennadavis8238]

I loved Pod! I have read six books so far from the long list, and Pod was one of my favorites. It’s a hard read because I found the animal voices authentic (and not distracting which was my initial worry), and it really focused on the experience of being female or perceived as weak in a patriarchal society. It touched on themes of being a form of climate refugee, gender fluidity in nature, and solidarity and interconnection as the antidote to war and devastation. Other people may feel differently, but I think the payoff was worth it in the end. I was also sad that Wandering Souls and Glory didn’t make it, and I did really enjoy the Bandit Queens. I have only read Trespasses and Pod from the shortlist so while I’m sad that some of the books I loved didn’t make it, I’m excited to have four more to did into (though I did start the Marriage Portrait on audio a few weeks ago and decided to quit unless it was on the shortlist so we seem to have had a similar reaction.

[@SupposedlyFun]

From the comments, I think a lot of people weren't expecting Pod to be such a difficult read. It's interesting. I'm excited to try Wandering Souls.

[@annegibson6072]

I really enjoyed Pod. I am a huge fan of any book that's more or less an allegory. It's an animal protagonist which Glory is as well. If I had to choose between Glory and Pod I am glad it is Pod. It is more of a universal book.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I’m glad someone out there liked Pod-the discourse has been so wild since the longlist was announced.

[@annegibson6072]

@@SupposedlyFun From what I have seen most people do not see Pod beyond the actual story. They see it as trauma to the dolphins but it's much more than that. It's the story of the trauma that humans are causing to the oceans.

[@SupposedlyFun]

@@annegibson6072 That would make a lot of sense.

[@loriroemer1122]

I also loved Hamnet and was disappointed by The Marriage Portrait. It was incredibly predictable.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I'm glad I'm not alone!

[@Rainydays19]

I really wished The Bandit Queens made it to the shortlist. I would take it over The Marriage Portrait or Pod. I really love Hamnet also but was really disappointed with The Marriage Portrait. I was really wishing to not have to read Pod. I wasn’t excited about it and then everyone just seems to be DNFing it. I put off reading Demon Copperhead out of the longlist because I was so sure that it would be in the shortlist so at least I have that one to look forward to. Just need to go find Fire Rush since it’s not available as a physical book here yet.

[@SupposedlyFun]

The Pod DNFs have been fast and furious. It’s been a wild ride watching! I’m looking forward to reading The Bandit Queens.

[@user-yg6ft1iu1i]

I think will be Trespasses as the winner. While I agree Demon Copperhead while a great tribute to David Copperfield kind of an update.

[@SupposedlyFun]

There’s been a lot of love for Trespasses-it feels like a strong contender.

[@readandre-read]

I just need Demon Copperhead to win one of these big prizes! I'm surprised to see Pod in there after all of the DNFs I've seen on BookTube! I just can't with the animal main characters so I was out on Pod and Glory. I'm a bad predictor so I won't but I've read Demon, Marriage Portrait and I'm currently reading Trespasses. I'd still like to read Bandit Queens and maybe Fire Rush.

[@SupposedlyFun]

There have definitely been a lot of Pod DNFs out there 😂

[@janethansen9612]

I think Black Butterflies could be the dark horse to win the prize (if Demon Copperhead and Marriage Portrait don't).

[@SupposedlyFun]

There's been a lot of love for Black Butterflies so it could happen!

[@TheLeniverse]

Black Butterflies is my favourite (although I haven't read Demon Copperhead yet). It's very relevant because of Ukraine, (and Khartoum), but I also remember vividly the news coverage of my childhood and the sudden influx of Bosnian refugees. Reading about the siege of Sarajevo was very powerful. Trespasses is good too, but it is a bit "all vibes no plot". Read it for the vivid immersion into Belfast in the 70s. Pod was terribly heavy handed, and I don't even disagree with the message. I was looking forward to it, but while it had some good prose on the sentence level it was not a good reading experience. Maybe I would have handled it better if I knew in advance that it would have unrelenting brutality, misery, and dolphin SA. But I'm really mad that it made the shortlist over say, Bandit Queens or Wandering Souls (or Glory, which wasn't a favourite of mine but I think it has literary merit).

[@SupposedlyFun]

I think a lot of people weren't expecting Pod to be so brutal based on the comments (I didn't know about that part, either). I can see how Black Butterflies would resonate so powerfully. Thank you for your thoughts!

[@robertselzer1437]

I’m half way through “Pod”, and don’t mean to be nit picky, but the story is narrated by an omniscient third party, not the dolphin.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thanks for the clarification.

[@1book1review]

oh interesting I see so many people praising POD. I will not pick it up nevertheless as it doesn't sound like something I'd enjoy.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Reactions to Pod have been fascinating.

[@triciapearce8545]

I loved The Marriage Portrait 😊 but don't think it will win. You're right - Demon Copperhead SHOULD win, but I suspect it won't either (because it's so readable and compelling??). Sad not to see The Bandit Queens on the list. I loved that book.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I'm going to be so mad if Demon Copperheard manages to slip through the fingers of every major book prize.

[@alldbooks9165]

🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@SupposedlyFun]

📚 🥂

[@hasteyebooks]

I really enjoyed Trespasses, although it might end up being forgettable. To me it's not about the affair (which is a garbage decision) but the whole atmosphere and environment of the Troubles really pulled me in. Demon Copperhead didn't do it for me but I'm not really into books that are series of unfortunate events and decisions without much else. I think it was a great book, but it was not for me. Pod.... I don't think the theme of climate crisis is as strong as it could have been. Everyone uses that as a reason that this is a powerful book, but I felt more confused by it than anything else.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you for the feedback on all these books. I don’t agree that there wasn’t much else to Demon Copperhead, but I can see how you would feel that way. 📚🥂

[@katsierra4476]

I hated the Marriage Portrait.😢

[@SupposedlyFun]

It was a big disappointment for me.

[@kasiakeen5246]

Glad Memphis didn’t make it!!

[@SupposedlyFun]

The conversations around it would have gotten exhausting, I'm sure.