The Booker Prize Foundation has announced the 13-book longlist for the 2023 Booker Prize. Chaired by award-winning author Esi Edugyan, the judging panel this year selected an immersive range of novels from debut writers and established authors across four continents. With 10 writers appearing on the longlist for the first time, the selection spotlights new voices and fresh perspectives alongside celebrated names in contemporary fiction.
This year’s longlist for the Booker Prize draws from submissions published in the UK and Ireland between October 2022 to September 2023. The judges read over 163 novels in total before arriving at the final longlist of 13 books or the ‘Booker Dozen’ as it has come to be known. According to Chair Esi Edugyan, all the longlisted novels examine what it means to exist in the present through innovative and compelling storytelling. The selected works offer insight into timely themes like the effects of climate change, social oppression and competition while also exploring more personal topics of family, love and grief.
The 2023 longlist features four debut novelists – Jonathan Escoffery, Siân Hughes, Viktoria Lloyd-Barlow and Chetna Maroo. It also includes three writers with previous Booker nominations, the most notable being Sebastian Barry who joins an elite group of authors with five or more Booker nods. Geographically, the longlist spans seven countries across four continents with a significant presence of four Irish writers. All the Little Bird-Hearts penned by Viktoria Lloyd-Barlow stands out for its perspective from an autistic character, written by the author’s own lived experience on the neurodiversity spectrum.
The novels and authors on Booker Prize 2023 longlist include:
1. A Spell of Good Things by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀
In “A Spell of Good Things,” Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ invites us to Nigeria, where the intricate threads of two families unravel against the backdrop of wealth inequality and political machinations. Adébáyọ̀’s narrative dexterity unearths the layers of societal intricacies, portraying resilience as a beacon in the face of adversity.
2. Old God’s Time by Sebastian Barry
Sebastian Barry casts a spell with “Old God’s Time,” a tale that meanders through the life of a retired policeman entangled in a captivating murder investigation. Rooted in the soulful terrain of Ireland, Barry’s prose captures the essence of love, redemption, and the ceaseless flow of time.
3. Study for Obedience by Sarah Bernstein
“Study for Obedience” by Sarah Bernstein immerses us in a realm where dark humor and absurdity dance together, illuminating the underbelly of xenophobia and survival. Amidst a politically charged backdrop, a stranger navigates a town on the cusp of transformation, reflecting the intricacies of our contemporary world.
4. If I Survive You by Jonathan Escoffery
Jonathan Escoffery’s debut, “If I Survive You,” beckons us to traverse 1970s Jamaica and Miami alongside Topper and Sanya. Against the backdrop of political upheaval, their journey unfolds as a testament to the indomitable human spirit, intertwining themes of identity, belonging, and the pursuit of resilience.
5. How to Build a Boat by Elaine Feeney
Elaine Feeney unfurls the layers of familial dynamics and societal boundaries in “How to Build a Boat.” Jamie and Tess embark on a quest for connection and meaning as Feeney crafts a poignant exploration of growth, echoing the relentless pursuit of the human soul’s aspirations.
6. This Other Eden by Paul Harding
Within “This Other Eden,” Paul Harding whisks us away to Apple Island, a fictional yet deeply resonant reflection of the real-life Malaga Island. Amidst change and prejudice, the narrative mirrors the evolution and resilience of a community, echoing the heartbeat of those challenging norms.
7. Pearl by Siân Hughes
In “Pearl,” Siân Hughes’ debut transports us across centuries through the journey of Marianne, exploring grief, abandonment, and solace. The novel deftly intertwines a medieval poem bearing her name, unfolding a narrative tapestry that delves into the depths of human emotion.
8. All the Little Bird-Hearts by Viktoria Lloyd-Barlow
Viktoria Lloyd-Barlow’s “All the Little Bird-Hearts” offers a unique perspective through an autistic mother’s lens, unearthing themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery. With eloquent prose, familial bonds and the profound power of affection are explored in all their complexity.
9. Prophet Song by Paul Lynch
Paul Lynch’s “Prophet Song” thrusts us into a tumultuous Ireland on the brink of societal collapse, where a mother-of-four grapples with choices that reverberate across a nation’s destiny. Amidst the upheaval, Lynch’s narrative probes the intricate relationships between power, responsibility, and the echoes of history.
10. In Ascension by Martin MacInnes
Martin MacInnes’ “In Ascension” beckons readers to explore internal transformation through the lens of external explorations. Marine biologist Leigh embarks on a journey across oceans, echoing themes of identity, change, and environmental consciousness.
11. Western Lane by Chetna Maroo
Chetna Maroo’s “Western Lane” tenderly weaves the story of sports, love, and healing through young Gopi’s perspective. Themes of loss and rediscovery resonate, portraying the enduring power of familial bonds and the resilience of the human spirit.
12. The Bee Sting by Paul Murray
“The Bee Sting” by Paul Murray introduces the struggles of the Barnes family, capturing the interplay of ambition, identity, and the ties that bind. Murray’s keen character depth delves into the intricacies of human relationships with sensitivity and grace.
13. The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng
Tan Twan Eng’s “The House of Doors” seamlessly blends historical fiction with a touch of mystery, immersing readers in a world where a lawyer’s encounter with the enigmatic William Somerset Maugham sparks an exploration of both fiction and reality. Eng’s narrative invites us to unearth human experiences and emotions through an evocative storytelling journey.
In addition to showcasing fresh literary voices, the longlist also brings recognition to independent publishing houses. Seven of the novels come from smaller publishers, reflective of the Booker Prize’s efforts to promote quality fiction beyond large corporate publishing. Oneworld Publishers, which released Prophet Song, have previously won the prize twice and their authors have earned numerous nominations.
At a time when censorship and oppression of minorities are worsening globally, the longlist offers novels that sensitively depict such realities. Prophet Song envisions a dystopian Ireland stripping away civil liberties, while This Other Eden portrays the injustices faced by an isolated community in 19th century America. A number of works also confront contemporary issues of climate change, class divides and neurodiversity.
The 2023 judging panel consisting of Esi Edugyan, Adjoa Andoh, Robert Webb, James Shapiro and Mary Jean Chan unanimously approved this selection for its masterful storytelling and insights into the complex human experience. While only one book can ultimately win the £50,000 GBP prize, all thirteen longlisted novels are worthy additions to the esteemed Booker Library that will hopefully find appreciation among readers for years to come. The shortlist of six books will be announced on September 21, culminating with the winner’s ceremony on November 27 in London.
Every time a Booker Prize winner is announced, a symphony of narratives echoes through the ages, weaving together stories of triumph, sorrow, and the indomitable resilience of the human spirit. These remarkable novels, akin to celestial constellations in the vast expanse of literature, urge us to contemplate a timeless query: What does it truly signify to craft a story that reverberates across generations?
