Women’s Prize Longlist Reactions with Mum 2023

[@andrearyan816]

Bandit Queens and Cursed Bread. Great video.

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted 😉

[@leeh4343]

Oh and for the two short books to splice together - Cursed Bread and Black Butterflies - please and thankyou! 😊

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted 😉

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

There are 8 books on the list I know nothing about and I’ve only read two . So for me me that’s exciting. Getting to know new writers.

[@SavidgeReads]

It is exciting isn’t it!

[@lorimiller854]

I vote for Cursed Bread and Wondering Souls for the vlog.

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted 😉

[@janelouise5003]

I vote for Bandit Queens and Homesick as the ones you and Louise give your thoughts on, they both sound really interesting!!

[@grrrumpypanda]

Me too!

[@creationspast.janebowell1903]

I have just started , Bandit Queens and it is wonderful I hope you will give us your thoughts on it.

[@SavidgeReads]

Voted logged 😉

[@angelajones129]

Me too!!!

[@carolynmonahan2488]

Black butterflies and Pod for Mum

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted 😉

[@Jennikreads]

Would love to see your thoughts on The Bandit Queens and Pod

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted 😉

[@andreadavies5971]

Black butterflies and Bandit Queens.😊

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted 😉

[@cynthibook]

I would like your toughts on The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff and Black Butterflies by Priscilla Morris.

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted 😉

[@dqan7372]

Would be interested to hear your thoughts on 'Bandit Queens' and 'I'm a Fan'.

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted 😉

[@funaek3601]

I vote for Cursed Bread and The Bandit Queens!

[@funaek3601]

Ooh, or Pod!

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted 😉

[@mariasmiles68]

Love the Savadge squared videos! My vote would be gor Homesick or Black Butterlies/Cursed Bread. Glad you were right about Demon Copperhead and glad to see Maggie O'Farrel.

[@SavidgeReads]

Savadge… what is this Savadge you speak of? Haha.

[@dianedickson6366]

You guys had me laughing out loud. You also made me beat myself up because there are so many that I have been meaning to read - must get myself sorted.

[@SavidgeReads]

I don’t think you should be beating yourself up and I really don’t think you should be blaming us… we’d hardly read any either. Glad you had a laugh.

[@bethmw28]

I vote bandit queens and cursed bread! 👌

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted 😉

[@katrinaandallthebooks7993]

I’d love to see your response to Pod, intrigued by the dolphin narrator.

[@SavidgeReads]

That is actually the pick for my next Patreon book club and mum will be joining the conversation.

[@twinny555]

I vote for you to read bandit queens and black butterflies 🦋

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted and verified 😉

[@raymondsouthorn1578]

I agree with Louise that Lessons in Chemistry should be on the list!

[@SavidgeReads]

I really liked it but can totally see why it might not have made it. The rowing ruined it for me a bit. But it’s taste thing isn’t it.

[@janethansen9612]

What an interesting list. I’ve read 5 already and not heard of many of the others which is exciting. Sad to see no Aussie authors though.

[@kousiksharma3956]

❤😂🎉😢

[@iamtherealjulia]

Hi Louise!!! I ❤ seeing you guys together! I look forward to you two doing these videos all year. Your reactions to each other is priceless! Good job!

[@SavidgeReads]

Awwww thanks so much Julia. That’s so kind of you to say.

[@lulu_frances]

looking forward to the upcoming vlogs and videos on the list! A reading retreat sounds too dreamy, now I want that too ha. x

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahaha. We should organise a retreat people can come along to. Imagine that!

[@Sarah-sw5sn]

I really enjoyed this video … some great sounding books that I am intrigued to read

[@SavidgeReads]

It’s a really intriguing list this year!

[@Jennikreads]

The Bandit Queens is darker than the blurb and the cover would have you believe, but i read it for my cocktail book club and it was a lot of fun to talk about.

[@SavidgeReads]

Yeah I have heard that from a few people. But I really like dark books so no issue with that.

[@readingbytheriver5752]

Hello - I vote for the retreat. I enjoy going someplace at cusp season and eating and reading. As for books Pod is my first choice followed by Black Butterflies, Stone Blind, and Demon Copperhead. The UK cover is really nice - much nicer than the American cover. Enjoy

[@SavidgeReads]

It would be so nice if we could do a retreat and everyone could join us. Well maybe not everyone could be cramped but maybe a few people. I actually prefer your cover of DC.

[@CUBS83]

Wandering Souls and Bandit Queen!!

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted 😉

[@lisaedwards8505]

I agree Louise! I am disappointed that Lessons in Chemistry isn't on the list. But that said, this looks like a fantastic list. So looking forward to your upcoming videos!

[@SavidgeReads]

It’ll be interesting to see if mum feels that way about Lessons in Chemistry after she’s read the whole longlist. I shall ask her.

[@byronsbrain]

I think I want to pick up I'm a Fan and The Bandit Queens

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted 😉

[@ariannefowler455]

I was confused when I saw Homesick was labeled a memoir. It's one I'm looking forward to reading it. I'm also interested in Pod. It's an out of the box book for me, but sounds really interesting.

[@FelKud]

I was wondering the same thing ...

[@SavidgeReads]

I have high hopes for Pod. It sounds like Homesick has been on quite a journey publishing wise. I’m intrigued.

[@helenwilson9622]

Wandering Souls and Black Butterflies

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted 😉

[@r4ch4elreads]

I vote for Wandering Souls and Pod as the ones you both give your thoughts on. They sound brilliant.

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted 😉

[@ZoeBeck7]

I vote for The Bandit Queen and Pod for your video! Love seeing you both chatting about books. It’s fun because you do like different things in books. -Amy

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank for your votes! Here’s to an interesting few weeks of reading and book discussion ahead.

[@CJReads]

children of paradise sounds cool!

[@SavidgeReads]

I know right. Also mum and I are very sorry we missed book club. We didn’t get in until 15 mins after you’d started and we felt we would be obnoxious arriving late. Can we both join in another one please!?!

[@Michele-n2h]

Hi Louise & Simon, I headed straight to you after the announcement 😍So excited by the longlist & lovely to hear you both enthuse. I agree with you Louise, so disappointed Lessons in Chemistry wasn't on the list as it was my favourite book of 2022. Very much looking forward to all of your Women's prize content. Thanks both 💕💕 xx

[@SavidgeReads]

Seems that Lessons in Chemistry is this years Still Life. Interesting. Here’s to all the fabulous reads ahead.

[@Michele-n2h]

@@SavidgeReads Thats so interesting & I loved Still Life too! Absoulutey hears to the fabulous reading ahead xx

[@eloisematchbox5924]

Ah it’s always a joy to see you both discuss the Women’s prize long list. ❤ I vote for Pod and Cursed Bread. Loved The Bees and The Water Cure so really excited for both their new ones.

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted. You got them in just in time. Lol. I loved The Bees, The Water Cure I was unsure about.

[@meganshrum1928]

I vote for Black Butterflies and Pod but I'm excited for any and all. I'm so excited for Demon Copperhead. Poisonwood Bible was one of my first favorite books that made me a reader. ♥️

[@SavidgeReads]

I have heard such amazing things about The Poisonwood Bible. That was one of my Gran’s absolute favourite books. She didn’t like the Lacuna so I’m hoping that I’ll love all the other Kingsolver’s too, as I wasn’t a fan of Lacuna.

[@amanda-iv1io]

pod and the bandit queens

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted 😉

[@Barbarabrubru]

Cursed bread and homesick, please 😊. I really enjoy your joie de vivre on your videos, it’s so communicative! merci ! 😊

[@SavidgeReads]

Awww thank you.

[@jenniferfyffe3083]

PS: I had my lunch and coffee while watching this and it was good to have your company🧡

[@SavidgeReads]

I’m glad I could be company!

[@jessicaw7218]

Bandit Queens and Black Butterflies!

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted 😉

[@GemofBooks]

Botany corner 😂😂 Loved hearing both of your initial thoughts. Such an unexpected and delightful list 😄 Let the fun begin!!

[@SavidgeReads]

I am soooooo excited for this years longlist. Let the fun begin indeed.

[@drezdaminder]

Love your mom! I had not heard of most of these books but now have them on my tbr. Thanks for the video

[@SavidgeReads]

So pleased you enjoyed the video. Here’s to finding some fabulous books from the list!

[@benreadsgood]

Super interesting list, including some books I hadn’t even heard of before watching the reveal video. The downside is that I haven’t read any of them, so I’m weighing up how much to try and read ahead of the shortlist!

[@SavidgeReads]

I think just see what takes your fancy. I will be doing that with the longlist, well I will be reading them all but mainly by whim.

[@wfitzpatrick75]

I love watching the two of you together. I've only read two on the list, but planning on reading most of them. I would to see you and Louise vlog The Bandit Queens and Fire Rush. Happy Reading!

[@SavidgeReads]

Here’s to some fabulous reading for us all!

[@milliemary6328]

Awwhh you two are so lovely and funny together! 🥰 so lush to have this video straight after the announcement ☺️💜

[@SavidgeReads]

So pleased you enjoyed it, thank you.

[@Bessie-On-Wheels]

Wondering Souls or Fire Queens for you to review. I do love a double Savage audio visual treat! Interesting list as always

[@SavidgeReads]

Glad you enjoyed the double savidge whammy. There will be more.

[@andreawolf8665]

I did not make the connection that Elizabeth McKenzie is the author of "The Portable Veblen" which I loved! So, thank you for showing that one! I'm really excited for her new one now.

[@SavidgeReads]

A pleasure. It’s oddly the one I fancy least because of that bloody saccharine cover. Hahaha. Though I do love a campervan.

[@rachell4444]

I loved The Marriage Portrait . Id love to hear your thoughts on The Bandit Queen's on Louise's channel

[@SavidgeReads]

Well that’s been the most voted for read so we will definitely be doing that one.

[@traceysbookishreads]

I vote for Bandit Queens and Cursed Bread that you should read :)

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted 😉

[@lindarosborough7091]

This was lots of fun! I love you two together. I’m excited for this list. Books set in Northern Ireland are my catnip, so I’ll be reading Trespasses first. As for you two, I vote for The Bandit Queens and Black Butterflies. As always, thanks for doing this - my favourite book season!

[@SavidgeReads]

It’s our favourite season too. It’s even more fun now we’re doing lots of the reading together.

[@tameraanderson7820]

Super excited about this List! Such a variety of themes! I cant wait to hear both of your thoughts and to watch your shortlist predictions!

[@SavidgeReads]

Really looking forward to reading them all!

[@emilyjarman2563]

I vote for homesick and Children of Paradise! Love all of your prize reaction videos!

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you.

[@meganngeorge]

Demon Copperhead is a new 5 / 5 all time favorite read for me! I will be so happy if it wins.

[@SavidgeReads]

That is some review. Hope I enjoy it as much.

[@johannaochbockerna]

Such a treat to have this video up right after the announcement of the longlist. I'm so excited this year and want to join in on reading the list. Can't wait for your conjoined vlog and will read the book asap so I've read it when you will discuss it. Let the greatest season in the bookish year commence.

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahaha. It is like Bookish Christmas I think.

[@susprime7018]

Makes me want to read Memphis sooner than planned. Happy Maggie O'Farrell made the list. Bandit Queens and Children of Paradise.

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted 😉 I started Memphis and it’s brill. Though stopping and will probably read on holiday or just after.

[@alisonbell3475]

The Pod and Bandits Queens please. X

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted 😉

[@chiming_]

The interaction between you two was hilarious 🤣

[@SavidgeReads]

So pleased you enjoyed it!

[@Abebech6]

Shite I SCREAMED seeing the endpapers!!! 😭😭😭😭 I'm afraid of serpents. Happy reading to both of you!

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahaha do they scare you that much. Lol. Spiders bother me far more!

[@Abebech6]

@@SavidgeReads Yeah... Goes to show how good the artistry is. 😓

[@katrinamuritala3207]

Yes was waiting for this xx

[@SavidgeReads]

Hope you enjoyed it.

[@kristipotts3302]

I’d vote for Bandit Queens and Cursed Bread as the two you make reading vlogs for!

[@SavidgeReads]

Thanking you for your votes.

[@ckurnath]

I haven’t read any of those but I have the Marriage Portrait on my shelf and Bandit Queens and Stone Blind are on my TBR. I didn’t know Lalaine Paul had a new book out but that is going on my TBR.

[@SavidgeReads]

This is her third. I’m shocked I still haven’t read The Ice as I loved The Bees 🐝

[@annie-mz9956]

Really live the you and your Mum read and review the long list together

[@SavidgeReads]

Me too. It’s a lovely thing.

[@Odzerful]

I vote The Bandit Queens and Cursed Bread for yours and Louise's thoughts. Lovely list overall. So excited for your videos 💜

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted and verified 😉 I am so excited to read this list!

[@denisediamond9313]

I vote for Bandit Queens and Wandering Souls!

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted 😉

[@twinny555]

Omg I’m so excited to read bandit queens!

[@SavidgeReads]

Me too!

[@AnaMoShoshin]

For the other vlog: cursed bread and bandit queens, please! Maybe talking to previous winners about their thoughts on this year's list?

[@SavidgeReads]

Some previous winners could be fun. Though imagine asking Maggie and Barbara. Hahaha that would be interesting.

[@catherineh222]

I’d vote for Pod. Loving the sound of that. 💜 I’m also with your Mum, why no Lessons in Chemistry!? Fab video, thank you. 💜

[@SavidgeReads]

Ha. We are now doing Pod for Patreon Book Club, which Mum is going to make a special guest appearance on.

[@bandkh90]

I’d love you to read Black Butterflies and Memphis. Love your work. Thank you!

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted 😉

[@fayegibbons97]

You two crack me up 🤣🤣.I like the sound of The Bandit Queens, Pod & Trespasses. I thought Birnam Wood may be on there (although I haven't read it yet lol).

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted 😉 Glad we brought you some laughter.

[@lauraevans6285]

Children of paradise sounds fascinating to me. Would love that to be one you both read! Definitely have a bookish retreat, just recently watched Jack Edwards Scottish bookish retreat and the video was such a chilled vibe I'm so ready for a holiday.

[@SavidgeReads]

If only we could organise a group retreat with others. Maybe one day.

[@katyfolk3433]

I used to be a 'Simon' when it came to how I kept my books now I'm definitely a 'Louise'!

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahaha. The best of both worlds 😉

[@Laura_D]

Love the crossover episodes. I haven’t read any of the titles yet and had only heard of two. I’ve never read David Copperfield so am pondering whether I should read that, too…

[@SavidgeReads]

I’ve not read it, it’s huge so I am not going to. I did see the latest movie adaptation which is brilliant. I’m hoping there’ll be donkeys in this one too. Interesting to see what it riffs off.

[@danbourdeau8620]

I vote for the Bandit Queens

[@SavidgeReads]

Vote counted 😉

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

I’ve only read two on the list Tresspasses Demon Copperhead Delighted that both are on the list. Especially Louise Kennedy as it’s a debut. 🍀👋☕️📖☘️📚📕

[@SavidgeReads]

I’m looking forward to both of them.

[@kirstypritchard2872]

Only heard of six of these 😮. Enjoyed this 😂 there she is 🤣🤣🤣📚🥰

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahaha. Glad you enjoyed the video. And isn’t it exciting so many unexpected books.

[@28bruch]

Looking forward to all your content about this prize but would most like to see reading vlogs about The Bandit Queens and Black Butterflies.

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted and verified 😉

[@leeh4343]

Loved this, but then I always do - always full of banter - apart from BK, I’m excited to get to the Bandit Queens and Stone Blind the most 😊 can’t wait for your follow up videos!

[@SavidgeReads]

Bandit Queens seems to be the hidden gem that everyone is super duper excited for. I can’t wait to read it.

[@gilliansawers4593]

Reading I’m A Fan at the moment one of the bundle of books I bought at the weekend! Really don’t any more but I was in a lovely independent bookshop and couldn’t help myself 😂 Such a mixture of books this year will try and read a few.

[@SavidgeReads]

Always good to support a lovely indie bookshop.

[@claresimpson2629]

Cursed Bread because it sounds fascinating and I’m a rye baker and fascinated by what happened then. Homesick because it sounds interesting

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted and verified 😉

[@thatothernigeriangirl]

I love how this year’s list included a lot of unpopular selections. Very excited to read many of them before the shortlist 🥳

[@SavidgeReads]

Ha. I wouldn’t say unpopular, more like lesser known. Hahaha. I am soooo excited for this years longlist. Even if it’s missed a few of my favs. Which you can probably guess 😉

[@thatothernigeriangirl]

@@SavidgeReads 🤭 I was just a bit disappointed but then the promising titles on the list compensated for that. Looking forward to all your reviews 🥳

[@Bookswithcassandra]

28:55 would love to hear your thoughts on cursed bread

[@SavidgeReads]

Noted 🍞

[@bookwormkara]

I'm most excited to read Pod! The Bees was so fantastic. Speaking of recommendations I got from you, I just finished Still Life today (on audio) and I'm head over heels for it. It's definitely going to be in my top books of the year & I need a print copy to peruse...and hug to my chest🥰 THANK YOU for talking about it all the time!!

[@SavidgeReads]

I am soooooooooo pleased you enjoyed Still Life. It’s a such a good book!

[@enidlacob1157]

Yay I needed you two after watching the announcement. I just loved this Thanks so so much love from Cape Town

[@SavidgeReads]

So pleased you enjoyed it Enid.

[@emmavd]

Thank you, Simon and Louise! 🌷I’m intrigued by Pod and also by Children of Paradise. I wouldn’t mind you starting from them, but I’m actually looking forward to all your reviews!!😊📚

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted 😉

[@gillwoolley6515]

Still haven't got over Sarah Winman not being on the list last year. I read it on your recommendation and it was my book of the year xx

[@SavidgeReads]

Ha. I have moved on now. I loved that book so so so so much but at the end of the day, can’t change it. Lol.

[@pamelajarvis7728]

I vote for The Bandit Queens and Homesick please…. Great video👍 ❤

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted and verified 😉

[@sheltercoordinator8387]

I vote for Bandit Queens and Cursed Bread (for you to read and vlog together). :-)

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted 😉

[@sinas896]

The Bandit Queens and Wandering Souls pleaseeeee

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted 😉

[@allisonryder4781]

Pod please! For your Mums channel! I loved Memphis ! A lot of interesting books on the list!

[@SavidgeReads]

Thanks for you vote 🐬

[@pippin1969]

Absolutely agree with you Louise , Lessons in Chemistry and Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson should be on the list

[@SavidgeReads]

I am reserving judgement until I have read them all, and I’ll ask for mums thoughts then too. Neither of us said Shrines of Gaiety should be on the list… neither of us have read it. Just a surprise she’s not been on the list for a while.

[@Gianzhg]

Interesting. The last time Kingsolver was shortlisted, Kate Atkinson was on the shortlist as well for Life after life. That is a bonker year with Mantel, Atkinson, ZadieS, Kingsolver, Semper and Homes who take the trophy.

[@helenwilson9622]

I think Life after Life is better than Shrines of Gaiety. I liked Shrines but not the same level of a book. No spoilers here and I would recommend both.

[@SavidgeReads]

That was a shortlist indeed.

[@miss_vix_reads9110]

What a joyful video, thank you! I've only read Stone Blind so far, I have Memphis, The Marriage Portrait and Trespasses on my TBR shelves so I'll probably start with those and see how far I get. I'm interested in Demon Copperhead, I was waiting for it to be in paperback but perhaps I'll borrow it from the library instead.

[@SavidgeReads]

So pleased you enjoyed it! I recommend Memphis and The Marriage Portrait. I can’t decide how I feel about Trespasses. I know Mum really liked the lead character.

[@carolewatson2113]

Great to see you guys together again. Excited for this list.

[@SavidgeReads]

It’s a great list isn’t it. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@YourTrueShelf]

One of the best bits about the women's prize is you guys! I've read Stone Blind & Homesick (amazing), and I'm currently reading The Marriage Portrait. I've ordered some from the library and bought some. I'd like you guys to read black butterflies and trespasses together (if they were both options?!) x

[@SavidgeReads]

Awwww that’s such a kind thing of you to say Sarah. Thank you. I’m intrigued for Homesick and all the more tempted to get to it as you loved it. Mum has read Trespasses already but logged your vote for Black Butterflies.

[@Jhilik_Owns]

After looong time. Happy to see your mum ❤️

[@SavidgeReads]

Not that long. She was in a video with me in January. Lol. We don’t do videos together every month, plus she has her own channel now.

[@jenniferfyffe3083]

what a fabulous, and diverse list of titles and authors! I'm looking forward to reading along with you both, and comparing my own shortlist with yours!. I agree with you (Louise), Lessons in Chemistry should have been on the list, an unexpected delight. I'm looking forward to The Bandit Queens and Fire Rush, so those are my suggestions for recording your thoughts on.

[@SavidgeReads]

It’s such a brilliant list isn’t it. I’m so looking forward to reading the ones I haven’t.

[@harrietwarden5771]

Love this list, have only read Glory so far but have bought Homesick and I'm a Fan and have Wandering Souls, Stone Blind, Cursed Bread, Children of Paradise and The Bandit Queens on hold at the library, hopefully I'll get through these before the shortlist!

[@SavidgeReads]

Libraries are brilliant arent they!

[@Olivia-kr2cf]

I’m excited to read The Bandit Queens and Wandering Souls. I’m intrigued by Pod and Fire Rush…I’ve just put in a lot of library requests! And yes to more updates, the videos with your Mum are hilarious! I’d like to see you give updates on Pod 😁

[@SavidgeReads]

Libraries are brilliant. Hope they get you those books soon. Pod is going to be my Patreon Book Club pick for April, Mum will be joining in the chat.

[@KristinKravesBooks]

I was so excited to see Stone Blind on the list. I adore Natalie Haynes!

[@SavidgeReads]

Me too! She’s ace.

[@creationspast.janebowell1903]

Oh brilliant I was waiting for you two.🎉 So informative and dithering over which ones to read. More videos about the books sounds a great idea. You do make me laugh 🎉

[@SavidgeReads]

Ha. We wanted to give the Womens Prize’s channel announcement video some time to breath before we made this. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@triciapearce8545]

I vote for the Bandit Queens and Pod. I've only read two on the longlist but already own a further five! I got four predictions right and have just ordered four more from the library, so everything else is cancelled until the shortlist is announced 😊. Looking forward to all the videos you're both planning to put up.

[@SavidgeReads]

Votes counted 😉 Here’s to a fabulous few months of reading for us all.

[@kimswhims8435]

Fun reactions guys, great idea for reading Demon, the audiobook is brilliant too. Pod is the one I'll probably read first out of the 8 I've reserved at the library, so I'd vote for Pod for the vlog.

[@SavidgeReads]

Vote is counted 😉