Women’s Prize for Fiction Winner 2023

In which ‪@SavidgeReads‬ and I muse about this year’s ‪@WomensPrizeforFiction‬ winner Barbara Kingsolver.
#booktube #readingrecommendations #readingislife #politicalreadings #womensfiction #womenempowerment #womens #fiction

[@SelinaAllinson]

Fantastic result! 🎉 I'm so happy for Barbara Kingsolver. I shed a couple of tears watching her receive the prize! A WONDERFUL novel and so very important. I'll never ever forget Demon. I loved him so much. I really enjoy reading political, with a small p books! Sometimes longer books put me off a little but not too much. It really depends on the book. I read Middlemarch, Great Circle and The Goldfinch and didn't mind at all that they were "chunksters" The winner of the Women's Prize last year was quite a long one too I'd say. I like the feeling of getting stuck into a long book from time to time, it's a different kind of reading experience as you really get to know the characters more and usually over a longer period of their life. I think Simon has a point by mentioning there are just SO many books to read, especially if you're keen to be joining in with book prizes like this one and The Booker and maybe that's why a longer book seems like a little more of a challenge. Oh and 🍊😜 Thanks for sharing this video! I really liked what you had to say about this novel Louise X

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Thank you. Your points are very valid. Well done for making it to the end! 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@antonhur887]

Love this video and love Barbara Kingsolver 💜 ANIMAL VEGETABLE MIRACLE changed my life

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

I haven’t got to it yet, so what a recommendation! 🙏🙏🙏🧡🧡🧡📚📚📚

[@jenniferfyffe3083]

Hello both, I was really disappointed that one of the other debut authors didn't win, but then I heard what Louise had to say about valuing experience and honing your craft and it changed my view so I will now read this book. I am a senior member of society and have recently felt my experience and value being undermined. Thank you Louise!🧡

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

That’s so lovely to learn. Thank you 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@estella_jel]

Big books are almost the singular reason I read; I love big books. I feel there is such an opportunity to expand on a world, story, or characters. I think it also feels a lot more satisfying to finish one, I always feel quite accomplished. 😊

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Me too 😉🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@danira3943]

I am delighted that Barbara Kingsolver won BUT what I love more that Louise is a champion for longer books! ♥️

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Thank you 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@batlavender]

🍊 Lovely conversation as always!! My grandma (about to be 75), mother (50), and I (about to be 24) have all read Demon and it's been such a special experience. We normally have quite different reading tastes, so it's wonderful to be able to share such a beautiful and important novel with one another. Now to convince them to read Memphis, since that's where I'm from, haha

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

That’s so lovely 😊 Wonderful to share books with people we love 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@anitahayne8621]

I love, love big books. I agree whole heartedly with Louise’s philosophy about big books.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@christinedolan3224]

I adored this book. I could not put it down. A work of genius and full of compassion. So glad it won.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Totes agree 🧡🧡🧡🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚

[@ann-kathrinmeyenburg7265]

Thank you so much, you 2!! 🍊

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Our pleasure! 🧡🧡🧡🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚

[@meganklein1]

🧡🧡thank you for an enjoyable and informative video

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@wheresmybook6507]

Lovely video. Thank you❤🍊🍊🍊

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@joangavrilik3009]

I love big books - there’s nothing better than being in the middle of a big, fat book that you love. And, yes, books in general seem to be getting shorter and shorter.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Love a fat book 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@cmleidi]

I'm glad you and Simon had such a wonderful time at the event. While Trespasses was my favourite, I thought Kingsolver's speech was so inspiring and touching. This prize just seems so supportive and it doesn't feel as cut throat and confusing as other prizes.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

You have hit the nail right on the head there 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@JardineraAnge]

🧡 you made some great points there Louise.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Thank you 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@andrearyan816]

Yes Louise, I am always 17 in my head too, then I look at myself in the mirror and see a reality check 🫣

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Oh gosh, yes🤦‍♀️😂😂😂📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@evamarie1537]

I agree, experience should be valued more! 🧡

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

🙏🙏🙏🧡🧡🧡📚📚📚

[@plikely4865]

🍊🍊 My copy comes Monday can’t wait to read this summer.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

👍👍👍Hope you enjoy it 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@junebug1359]

I love big books especially during the longest part of winter🍊🍊🍊

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Yes, yes, yes! 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@annewareing5393]

Delighted Demon has won 🙂 Barbara Kingsolver’s love for her home & her compassion in her writing is right here. And she has led me to Dickens in a way my English A level never could 👏🏼

[@annewareing5393]

Sorry - here is my emoji 🏆too !

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Yes, I’m really moved by her love of her landscape and people 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

👍👍👍

[@philnasmith9755]

Thanks Louise and Simon - as always, very enjoyable! Louise, I have the perfect cure for your post-Women;s Prize blues - Robertson Davies. And I propose you start with the Salterton Trilogy. I would love to hear your comments on that.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Added to my TBR 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@curioushmm9027]

i love that you prepared for illness reading! and that it was a good one. i have loved graham greene but read most of his work so so long ago tis but a distant albeit pleasant memory.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

I adored Graham Greene when I was younger. Must check if I’ve read them all! Thanks for the reminder 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@HannahGreendale]

🍊 So many excellent points made throughout this video. I found myself nodding along often, even to the counterpoints, which speaks to how well balanced a conversation this was. On big books: I think this year's longlist was more approachable because there were so many short books, so I'm reveling in that a bit, but I do love sinking into a good long book now and again. I find that listening to audiobooks has made long books even more approachable, as not seeing the book's thickness lessens my feelings of fatigue. Thanks for another great video!

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Great point about audio books. Thanks so much for your comments 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@rhiannonh3815]

🍊🍊🍊 An excellent discussion. Thank you so, so much

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@miriamtraynor936]

Thank you both for all the videos. I’ve enjoyed following you these past few months.🧡

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Our pleasure! 😊🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@whatsthetemma1308]

I wonder how close it was. I loved the list. Definitely there were ones I wouldn't normally pick up so love them for giving me new favourites.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

That’s the beauty of prizes - they introduce you to books you might otherwise miss. 🧡🧡🧡🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚

[@jo1929]

Thanks for this deep dive - I've never read any of BK's novels despite having had The Poisonwood Bible on my shelf for years 😬 but would like to give this one a go. I always think novel length becomes irrelevant if you're really into the book, but i know for many it's about getting over that to pick it up in the first place. Thanks for all your womens prize content this year, always interesting to watch 🧡

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Poisonwood Bible is a gem. Agree with your point about being drawn into a book 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@booksandthebard8016]

🧡🍊 Love the idea of how to approach next year's two lists!

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@ajsleight]

Really enjoying Demon Copperhead - completely drawn in to a world and life I know nothing about. As a slow reader, I am always a little cautious about jumping into big books, but they also tend to be the ones that I bond with the most, because of how immersed you become (A Little Life, Life After Life, Jonathan Strange…). Simon makes a great point about libraries - for a few years now I have tried to only read library books or charity shop buys, and it is surprisingly freeing in terms of allowing yourself to not finish books you’re not enjoying!

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

That’s a really good point that borrowing books removes the commitment to finish 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@spexi513]

Absolutely agree w the experience bit the artist formerly know as is saying . I’m from Ohio near Appalachia, (& my mom is a foster parent ) and saw these stories play out before me IRT , so I’m admittedly biased & elated DC won. Thoroughly love y’all’s videos , Ty 📖🪱💚

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

That’s so good to know. The novel rings true but it’s great to have that validated. 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@benreadsgood]

Delighted for Kingsolver - it’s a remarkable book. It was also the last one from the longlist that I read, so I really saved the best until last! And her speech was very touching. Short and perfectly formed.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Yes! What a speech! 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@fozzymup268]

This is wonderful Louise. Great discussion with Simon, very interesting. I wasn’t really interested in this book, but after both of your enthusiasm, I will give it a go at some point, especially as I’m very slowly getting through David Copperfield! I think big books are a bit daunting, but I think if you’re enjoying it, they are something to savour and you even have affection for them! Did you ever imagine that one of your Mum’s favourite authors would end up being interviewed by Simon and you would both be present when she received her second Woman’s Prize award! Truly special. Best Wishes 💕

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Your final comments are so perceptive and poignant. If you do have a crack at Demon, please let me know how you get along 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@morganpony2]

I think big books have lost popularity because of reading goals. I know when I do a steeper reading goal I avoid longer novels. So now I'm aiming for smaller goals and reading whatever I want. It's definitely brought back some of the joy.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Very wise 👍🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@smittenforfiction]

Great video! 🟠

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Thanks! 👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@angelawebb7676]

🍊Thank you. Made it to the end…with pleasure!

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

So glad you stuck with us 🤣🤣👍

[@michelle.planteachread.413]

🍊 I ADORE long books, so I'm not put off them, but I can put them off as I try to get through a tbr, but I think Louise is spot on when you say there's something magical about being with characters for a longer part of your life. I think if someone says this is a political novel, I'd be put off until they qualified what they meant, BUT if someone says this book addresses political issues, I'd be immediately intrigued. I think its because the former somehow sounds dry. I am a massive Dickens fan and a major element of that is the political themes. Thanks for a lovely video and next Spring sounds wall to wall BUSY for you already, but I'm here for it. 🍊

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

👍👍👍Really like your point about the perceived ‘dryness’ of political books 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@clairebanks1903]

Got this far 💐💫🌈 Thanks so much to both of you

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

🎉 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@mashamj]

I really appreciate what Louise had to say about experience, I think it’s pretty accurate overall in life, I especially find it applicable in work environment. I am yet to read Demon, but I want to start with Dickens novel first so I understand all the references! Thank you for your work on this, I love following the prize with both of you 🧡🍊🧡🍊🧡🍊

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Happy Dickensian Reading! 👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@janepeacock3704]

🍊 🧡 🍊😉 Hi Both 👋🏻 first, thanxx for this “winner’s video” - I was hoping for either ‘DC’ or Trespasses to win (plus I’m a big fan of Maggie O’Farrell) 😌 but I’ve really enjoyed all the shortlisted books 👏🏻👍 ps - ‘DC’ inspired me to find a copy of David Copperfield which I’ve never read (£2 in the 1st charity shop I went to, yes 🥳) I had a ticket for the evening event & was so looking forward to the author readings (& possibly bumping into you two !!) but …… the London heat got to me 🥵 & had to go home 🥹 I’m a fan of ‘chunksters’ !! In my late teens/early 20’s I devoured epics by Susan Howatch & others. Nowadays, a mixture is good - quality is the most important factor of course 😌 Novels with a political thread are of interest because I feel they educate me. Enjoy your break Simon (come back soon !) TTFN / TC

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Oh! So sorry to hear about how the heat affected you. What a shame! Hope to meet you next year 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@janepeacock3704]

Me too 👍🤓 thanx

[@rebecca.reader]

🍊 A very well deserved winner!!🏆 It was my first Barbera Kingsolver and it definitely won't be my last! What a fantastic author. Regarding big books.. I love them. I love how you can get fully immersed in a story whether it is a lifetime, multi generation, or just a real deep dive into part of characters life. For me this book doesn't feel excessively long. I love reading huge fantasy/ historical fiction books which are often 7/800 pages and often part of a series, so you can really truly get lost in the story. Oh the joy 🥰 Also, yes to political books!!

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Totally agree 👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏🧡🧡🧡📚📚📚

[@allisonryder4781]

🍊🍊🍊🍊I love big books because there is space to set the scene, develop characters and plot without going at breakneck speed. That said, I am afraid to read DC as I haven’t read any Dickens and I am concerned I won’t understand the plot. Is it easy to follow and understand? And can I emotionally take the harsh parts? In addition, there is the cost of books as you said and I expect there will be a years waiting at the library!!! I am excited for the NF prize next year. Thanks for your coverage of the award and sending love from 🇨🇦

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

I would maybe start with either Hard Times (short) or Great Expectations (ace plot, characters and setting) 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@tanyam6197]

Definitely here until the end 🍊❤

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Bravo 👏🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@debbieinlondon]

🍊😊great video thanks x

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

You’re welcome 😊

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Pleasure! 🙏🙏🙏💛💛💛📚📚📚

[@leeh4343]

Well this was a joy 😊 I have only a couple more Barbara Kingsolver novels to read - one of them being Demon Copperhead (saving for a rainy day which is slightly mad really). I was thrilled that she won the prize. 😊

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@emmavd]

Thank you, Louise and Simon, for this delightful video!🧡🧡 I find your idea of reading the WP for Fiction longlist and the Non-fiction shortlist next year absolutely brilliant! 📚📚📚I love immersing myself in a big book, but I need to have some time available not to make reading it a lifelong project😅I’ve recently found out that I love listening to big classics. After enjoying very much The Old Curiosity Shop narrated by Jessie Buckley, I’m now in the middle of Daniel Deronda narrated by Juliet Stevenson. I also have their paper versions, and sometimes reread some descriptions or passages I like. I must confess that I haven’t read Demon Copperhead yet. However, I admire writers who bring to the attention of their readers “political” issues like poverty, injustice, or the suffering caused by war, terrorism, racism or other forms of intolerance.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

That’s a great idea to reread the pages you like 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@sbeale276]

🍊 loved the video. I love a big book! I agree you can get immersed in a world and the characters and if its a series even better! How do you feel about big books in a series not just standalone? I have read demon copperhead yet but it is on my ever growing tbr list. I hope you do some more videos with Simon as i enjoy your channel and his but i do like it when you link up 😊

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

I’m sure the double act videos will keep coming. I enjoy series of lengthy books too as long as the quality is maintained. Sometimes they can feel a little commercial 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@sweeteliz]

I put off reading Demon Copperhead (I had preordered it) not because of the length but because I expected it to be so very heavy and sad .. and it absolutely dealt with heavy topics but there was a spirit of resilience that kept it from taking me down a dark spiral. I loved it .. loved the spirit, loved how Barbara Kingsolver hit the voice of a young boy so brilliantly, loved the parallels to David Copperfield... and I appreciate that it is such an important and topical story. I want everyone to read this book! 🧡

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Yes, a novel that it is easy to become evangelical about 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@wendysaunders2393]

Hi Both. I was so emotional when the winner was announced. Just love Barbara’s writing but still got a lot to read. On the subject of big books I love them. As long as the story warrants the pages and isn’t stretched just to achieve a long book I’m in. Xx

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Yes, sometimes I feel editing is a bit sloppy 👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏🧡🧡🧡📚📚📚

[@lizh9497]

Yes please to nonfiction shortlist and big books. A maybe to political books. It depends if I feel like they’re informing/questioning or preaching.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Great point re political books 👍👍👍📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@alliebeesreading]

🍊 🧡 I own mostly Classics (that are mostly huge) and use the library for everything else. I think the reason I don’t reach for my busty books is that in my head, I’m fighting with myself saying “well you could knock out 2 or 3 library books in the time you could read that one chunky monkey so read the smaller ones instead so you can return them”. If I love a book, the length doesn’t matter because I obviously want to stay in that story and love those characters.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

That’s absolutely it! Why read one when you could read three? I think I make that bargain with myself often 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@cindyhaiken5644]

In answer to your questions, I love the idea of the two of you reading the WP nonfiction shortlist after the WP shortlist comes out. I am not put off by big books. If I want to read a book, I want to read it, regardless of length. Small p political books are just fine but big P political books are probably not for me, at least right now. I feel quite overwhelmed by politics these days. Demon was my #1 from the start and I was absolutely delighted (jumping up and down, happy dance in the staff room) that it won. Thanks for this fascinating discussion about the prize, the book and the party! 🧡🍊

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Glad you had a good old jump Cindy 😊🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@BlueShaz68]

🍊The end of another Women’s Prize year! Thank you for filming this both. Ref ‘political’ with a small p - I’m always up for that but I get what Simon is saying about feeling put off if you get confused and think it’s the Big P version. I can’t do impartial in that case and only end up reading liberal/left stuff, which means I’m only getting half of the picture of the world I live in. Must try harder! Take care both and enjoy your break Simon.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Agreed 👍🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@marinamcgovern6497]

On the topic of big books, I think a lot of people are put off by the time commitment, particularly if they are monogamous readers, and are influenced by hitting a target in terms of the numbers of books read. I haven't read any Kingsolver yet but think the time has now come. Thank you for your interesting thoughts on this prize.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Yes, I love book apps but they do definitely influence your reading habits 🧡🧡🧡🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚

[@jacquiheywood3142]

I'll be honest, I do avoid bigger books. I do read them, but they aren't my first choice. I work full time and I'm busy so I don't have an endless amount of free time. I know.I need to change my mindset. Great video.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Yes, work can certainly get in the way! 🙏🙏🙏🧡🧡🧡📚📚📚

[@rebecca8366]

Love the non fiction shortlist idea! Personally I find it quite hard to find long books to read aside from fantasy because all the books that cross my path seem to be short and many dont even reach 300. Maybe you could do a long books recommendation video?

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

That's a great idea! I’ll see what I can do. 👍👍👍📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@donnahumphrey6778]

🍊 I love big books, and I am not afraid of political books!

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

😀🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@leannerenowden]

Some of my favourite books have been long, but I do tend to go for short books these days (short attention span perhaps?). One to mention would be The Hearts Invisible Furies by John Boyne - 700 pages, I think, and so brilliant. Fab video, loving hearing your thoughts… I’ve bought Demon Copperhead this week and can’t wait to get stuck in 🍑

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Love Boyne but not read that one. Must look out for it 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@debrahills8148]

Before the award, I really didn’t know which book to choose, although I was leaning slightly toward Trespasses or Fire Rush. In the end, however, Demon just feels *right.* Because I live in Tucson Arizona in the US, where Barbara began her writing career and lived for many years, I’ve read her books from the beginning. One of my favorites is Flight Behavior, one of the first novels that tackled the subject of climate change. Political: yes… but also deeply humane and again focusing on rural people and the places where they live.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Must get to it! 🙏🙏🙏🧡🧡🧡📚📚📚

[@jamesbuchan8086]

Really delighted Demon Copperhead, one of my favourite books ever, it was a great shortlist too I must read poisonwood bible next 🙂

[@jamesbuchan8086]

A few politics with “a small p” favs of mine that come to mind: Girl woman other, Small things like these, The colony, The bluest eye, Shuggie Bain, Americanah and The Promise

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Hope you enjoy it! Let me know what you think 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@SG-kr1fp]

🎉

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

🙏🙏🙏🧡🧡🧡📚📚📚

[@GeraldineRowe]

I really thought, after winning the Pulitzer, Barbara Kingsolver would take this win in her stride, so I was really pleased to see how genuinely overwhelmed she seemed 🧡🍊

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

It was humbling to witness! 🙏🙏🙏📚📚🧡🧡

[@Wendy-ib3iy]

Really pleased that Demon Copperhead won. I am not put off by the term political being applied to a book and I don't think I am really put off by the size of a book. If it's a book I really want to read and I found it's very long, then my heart sinks a little, but I still read it. If it was a book that I was in two minds about reading then the size probably would put me off.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Like the clarity of your thinking on this 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@jenniferfyffe3083]

PS: I am looking forward to the non-fiction Women's Prize in 2024, and I will be reading along with you both. I like the idea of reading the non-fiction short list. I like big books and I cannot lie 🤣 there is nothing better than getting lost in a big, long read! Thank you both again, for making this so enjoyable.📙🧡 Pss: the title was A Brief History of Seven Killings, by Marlon James

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Thank you 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@andrearyan816]

🍊Love a long book, definitely does not put me off. If it is a wonderful story, the pages slip by without noticing. Currently reading the last book in the Seven Sisters series by Lucinda Riley. 767 pages and not complaining about anything apart from the weight of the hardback book! 🍊

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Do you wake up with the book thunking you on the nose? It’s a problem I suffer from 😂😂😂📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@janefurlong474]

🎉🍊👏

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

👍👍👍📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@susprime7018]

I'll read it eventually, liked The Poisonwood Bible and The Lacuna. I don't mind longer books if they hold my attention, otherwise, it may take me along time to finish, as I pick up others between. Political themed books do not bother me, everything worth talking about is political and reading others opinions helps to keep an open mind. I finished Horse by Geraldine Brooks, a really terrific book with some political issues, which everyone with an ounce of humanity, shoud not be offended by.🍊

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Hear!Hear! 👍👍👍📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@graceannreads]

I’m put off by long books because I’m skeptical that authors need all those pages to accomplish what they want to accomplish. I’ve read novellas that pack more punch than a 600 page novel. I am, however, excited to pick this one up because I think all of the praise behind it tells me it’s worth it :)

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

That’s a very important point. I often find I’m left needing more of a character or setting though 🙏🙏🙏🧡🧡🧡📚📚📚

[@graceannreads]

I think books can run a fine line between being political and just sharing a lived experience. I think it boils down to what the author puts into it. For example, are we discussion a woman’s lived experience of having an abortion or centering the entire story leading up to the decision of abortion vs. birth. I don’t know if that not my point across

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

See exactly what you mean 😊🙏🙏🙏🧡🧡🧡📚📚📚

[@iamtherealjulia]

🧡🧡🧡🧡😉

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Well done! 🙏🙏🙏🧡🧡🧡📚📚📚

[@mradcaqbdb]

Another really interesting video! I will commit to reading Demon if it takes the Booker too. LOL Then I couldn’t excuse ignoring it. Big books. I hate them. (I have a certain fondness for hyperbole.) My sweet spot for books is under 250 pages. I constantly give the example of Jacqueline Woodson’s Red at the Bone. What she accomplished in that book in just about 210 pages was remarkable. I think more from less is the way to go. Do I read any big books? Yes. Some. As a kid, I devoured Stephen King and other longer books from different authors. I read some non-fiction over 500 pages, almost all current politics. I’m eagerly awaiting the new book from Laura Shepherd-Robinson, The Square of Sevens, which is around 560 pages. I read her first book, same length, and adored it. Her second book, same length, is still sitting here waiting for the right mood to strike. So, why not Demon? It’s complicated. My shorthand answer is tl;dr. And that’s part of it. But until recently, I honestly thought it was much longer than it is. In this case, it comes down to subject matter and politics. I’ll say up front that I’m not completely proud of my reasons. When I read Claire Fuller’s Unsettled Ground, I could see its brilliance but I was so horrified by the depiction of rural poverty. I just found it relentlessly bleak. There is clearly a link to themes in Demon there. Also, I have a raging anger and just really profound disappointment in those who vote Republican when Republicans have never done a single thing to make their lives better. A lot of those people are in Appalachia. So, Demon also brings the things about current politics that disturb me the most into play. Lastly, and here’s where I’m none too proud, I have problems empathizing with the type of real people (not in the book) who allow this to happen, so why would I want to read a long book about it? Yes, maybe it would help me empathize more. Unsettled Ground did. A bit. I personally would rather read Patrick Radden Keefe’s non-fiction book about the opioid crisis (and I did), than fiction about it. And I think that reveals a deep discomfort with rural poverty and backgrounds I cannot understand. People who would rather have the guy who is promising to keep their coal mine jobs than the one who wants to make life better, healthier, safer. I just don’t get it. So, you asked. And I did say it was complicated. 😧 Hope it makes some sense. 🍊 Oh, and I just don’t have the will to read 700-800+ page books anymore. That time is long gone. But I do still want to reread The Stand one of these days. So go figure. And I’m a Capricorn. Stubborn as all get out. 😂😂😂

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

I found your comments so interesting. I have similar issues with regard to Tories in the UK I’m afraid! Demon focuses on the victims rather than the perpetrators. I think I like to be reminded that my political anger is justified and to find kindred perspective in novels, when in the real world I often feel that my views are in the minority. Thanks, as always, for your thoughtful reaction 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@shawkitty2524]

🍊 I have an account with Goodreads. As you may (or may not) know, every year readers are encouraged to guesstimate the number of books they anticipate being able to complete by year's end. I sometimes have in the back of my mind that if I read too many big books, I may not reach my goal! Silly, but true. I have also had the experience with some big books where I think the story could have been told adequately in less # of pages instead of dragging on and on. Thus, a bit of impatience starts to build within myself instead of remaining blissfully engaged. On the other hand, I certainly have enjoyed a number of bigger books in my life, so my attitude is not exclusive. But the author had better have something extremely indispensable to the plot for me to enjoy tomes nowadays. Maybe I've just aged a bit. 🍊🍊🍊🍊🍊

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Really useful comments. I love StoryGraph but have similar problems with the challenge element sometimes. It’s no good reading a book with a page counter going off in your head 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@juliewoan298]

🍊 I was disappointed that Kingsolver won. I have read most of her books and enjoy some of the. I felt this book was too long and struggled part way through but did not give up as felt it was going to win more prizes given all the discussion around the book. My view could also be influenced by I am not a lover of long books. 🍊. Would have liked to see Louise Kennedy win…loved her book!

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

I think she’s a real rising star. The warmth of her personality shine through at the festival event 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@chavill2166]

🧡

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

👏🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@hilarycartlidge6135]

🍊 For me it's a No to big books unless the prose style or a character grabs me. I get bored about the 300 pages mark and usually start reading something else.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@janepeacock3704]

pps - I prefer a paperback ‘chunkster’ !!

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

😂😂😂

[@Libridine73]

🍊 ❤

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

👍👍👍Well done!

[@clairethackraytarot]

🍊🍊

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

👍👍👍

[@cathrineboysen1017]

🧡📚🌞🥰💜🎉🌈💜🧡

[@enidlacob1157]

I loved this but I am finding difficulty hearing you Is it my age 😅

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Not sure. Not been mentioned by others, sorry 😞🙏🙏🙏🧡🧡🧡📚📚📚

[@FelKud]

I admit big books are intimidating. I also think I avoid them because I like rather read three small books than one big one. I also get mad if I “wasted” time on a big book and didn’t love it.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Agree about the time element. Personally I have become much better at DNFing books 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@FelKud]

@@louisesavidgemuses4135 I should get better at DNFing!

[@hannahworkman3645]

🍊📚❤️

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

👏👏👏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@SavidgeReads]

Oh he sounds so nasal. And some of the faces he’s pulling at points. Hahaha.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

😂😂😂❤️❤️❤️ How is the nose?

[@hanaalfayez7150]

🍊🍊🍊🍊🍊

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

You made it! 👍 My favourite fruit too 🙏🙏🙏

[@jmmoore]

🍊😊

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@Bella-dv8cj]

🍊😁

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

🧡🧡🧡🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚

[@readingoffmyshelf2088]

🍊

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

🙏🙏🙏👍👍👍📚📚📚

[@lauracorsi3309]

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

👍👍👍📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@MsEleanorShelby]

🧡

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

👍👍👍📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@curioushmm9027]

🍊🍊

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@BeckyPoleninja]

🍊

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@oliviaturner3345]

🍊🍊

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

👍👍👍📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡

[@triciapearce8545]

🍊

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

👍👍👍

[@janedolman6691]

🍊

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Well done! 👍👍👍🧡🧡🧡📚📚📚

[@miriamtraynor936]

🍊

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

👍👍👍📚📚📚🧡🧡🧡