I always adore hearing you and your Mum talk about books and your thoughts this year on the Women's Prize have been amongst my favourites. Therefore, I want to say thank you for the content. I have only read two of the books on the shortlist, one of them being Hamnet, which I am rather hopeful will win.
I agree with your choice. My daughter died June 2018 and this book helped me. Maggie put my life on the pages as she brushes Hamnet hair etc... I didn't feel so alone in my actions after my daughter's passing. Word for word I did the same as any mother would . Beautiful written book. I've never heard a bad review on this book. Girl Woman Other also touched me as growing in area based in book markets people etc. Hamnet should win , every word on page touching , magical how Maggie wrote that book with a spiritual touch. I thank her with all my heart the whole was great read.
@@SavidgeReads thank you , remember to keep hugging your mum as we take life for granted. It's lovely to see you together. Await upload who has won prize today 9th Sept do you know ?
How amazing that you both picked the winner! I really want to read it but feel like I'm not emotionally prepared for it! Can't wait for the next longlist with your Mam :)
I just can’t read Hamnet because I’m grieving my adult son who was murdered about 2 1/2 yrs ago. I think it would just push me off the delicate ledge I exist on. So, I can’t share in the love of that one. But I am very interested in A Thousand Ships.
Loved this video and hearing both your views! Out of the shortlist I’ve only read GWO and really enjoyed it and think it achieved so much. I just bought Hamnet today as so many people love it and it’s been on my wish list for months now and I finally caved. Excited to read it!
Simon and Louise, fabulous video! Simon, your face when your mother pulled out Girl Woman Other...just a fleeting look of pain but it was priceless! I haven’t read all of these books but, of those I have, I absolutely agree. Hamnet pretty much left me on the floor. Beautiful story, beautiful writing, and an expression of grief I don’t believe I’ve ever read before. Bravo, you two! And as an aside, Louise, you look particularly lovely in this post. Not that you don’t always, but you are positively glowing. Thank you both again for such a wonderful video! 💕💕
Do you know what though. That shows how brilliant this longlist is because on different days Natalie Haynes could be my number two or Bernardine could be number one. Which is kind of amazing. If bloody hard to decide for a video let alone for the ACTUAL prize.
Hamnet all the way. I have to say that I’ll be horrified if Weather wins. It’s a perfectly fine book, but so easily forgettable book. I’d have put 2 books from the longlist ahead of it without question (Red At The Bone and How We Disappeared). Louise is so right about Hamnet being a future classic. I was nodding along as she talked about the things that stood out. I can picture all those rooms. I can hear his scream of grief when he sees what has happened. I can see them walking to bury their child, William struggling with his body. Every single scene in this book is beyond compare. I read paragraphs out loud too (to the cats, I guess). I still think of the paragraph where he learns her name. Ann-yis. It’s the most beautiful, heartbreaking piece of literature I have ever read. I haven’t read all 6 books, but it will be like a gut punch if this book isn’t rewarded. It is that perfect.
Hahaha I was slightly shocked at myself. But GWO was my book of 2019 and I’ve wanged on about it loads and I think people could see in my face/hear in my voice that it was really tough... AND WE WERE DOING THIS FOR FUN!!!
This video made me so happy! First of all, any video from you two makes me happy. But this one in particular, because I've read Weather and Dominicana from the shortlist (and just started The Mirror & the Light) and really liked them. So this means that the remaining three books are going to be even better, real corkers. Thank you for making these videos about the Women's Prize for Fiction. They have been such a joy to watch!
Another fantastic video and thank you for championing The Women’s Prize. My favourite is Natalie Haynes’ A Thousand Ships, but I honestly don’t mind who wins, they’re all fantastic in their way. All the best to you both and thanks again.
I’m halfway through Hamnet, and it’s already the best book I’ve read this year! I would have read an entire book of just the part about how Judith came to be sick/how the illness traveled and was spread. It’s definitely one of the most immersive books I’ve ever read. I felt the same way as Louise about Girl, Woman, Other; I loved it, but it hasn’t stayed with me either.
I’m in total agreement with your top 2. Would love it to be Hamnet, but would be happy if either that or GWO win - both such wonderful books. Fingers crossed.
Thank you so much for your fun chat about these books. I read A Thousand Ships on your previous recommendation and absolutely loved it! I would have never read without your recommendation. Also have read Hamnet and GWO. Can’t decide between those 2 for a winner.
It's far more interesting, if you differ in your opinions! But also lovely to see how much you both loved your number one. These videos with your mum are a real treat.
THAT'S IT: I pick up hamnet right now, and after Girls, women, others.... You two are absolutely adorable!!! The only problem that I have is keeping track with them to know when there will be a french traduction. So my mom can read them also. Have a nice one!
i too am looking forward to reading the mirror and the light however am keeping it for winter time when it's cold outside. In the 1950's my grandmother told me all about Thomas Cromwell on long car journeys. I am sad she is not alive to read it as she would have loved the trilogy however she inspired me to be an avid reader.
Please let it be Hamnet. It's just a beautiful book and some amazing writing from Maggie O'Farrell. Others have won prizes and I think Maggie truly deserves this prize. Second would have to be Girl Woman Other which I also loved and am currently listening to on audio.
@@SavidgeReads good point. Visited The Book Shop in Wigtown, Scotland last year. Owned by Shaun Bythell whose Diaries of a Bookseller and Confessions of a Bookseller are well worth a read. He once shot an Amazon Kindle and the remains are on show in the shop. I do have a Kindle myself - good for reading in the dark.
Ohh I've really been looking forward to this! You two are just a delight to watch. I've not really kept up with the shortlist, from the list I've only read Girl, Woman, Other, which was an amazing read. I've also got A Thousand Ships on my shelves ever since it was released, and can't wait to get to it. Hamnet is on the way to me, it sounds fantastic and as if I shouldn't attempt to read it in public.
Great reviews as always, thank you both :) It's tough field this year for sure! I'd love for Hamnet to win - such a powerful book and so expertly crafted. I also loved A Thousand Ships. I listened to it on audio and highly recommend. Natalie Haynes reads it herself and the nuance in each of the women's voices is outstanding.
Bought "Hamnet" at your first mention of it. Ashamed to say I haven't started it yet as I had to finish a pile of other books ahead of it. Excited to dive in. Love these videos with you and your mom!
Can't wait to see who wins !! Loved hearing both of your thoughts . I am fairly certain you picked the winner last year so it will be interesting to see !! 🤞🤞 ❤️
Hamnet is definitely my #1 on this shortlist. I think I’m with your mum on the overall order except that I would put Dominicana last (so maybe I’m a combination of the 2 of you?). Wonderful video, extremely strong shortlist, really really hope that Hamnet wins.
@@SavidgeReads I'm utterly ecstatic that Hamnet won! I was on a late lunch break and actually started to well up. The book causes tears no matter what!
Natalie Haynes does read the audio book for A Thousand Ships - I only know this because I've just gone and borrowed the audiobook from the library because of this video!
Half way. I bloody loved A Thousand Ships. I now finally understand some of the mythology. The only thing i remember from before is the horse and Helen and Paris. Wow there's so much more.
Whatever the result nothing will be as bad as GWO sharing the Booker last year. I'm rooting for GWO or Hamnet, but I won't be mad at any of them winning!
Do you know what? After hearing Bernardine talking about it when I did my instalive with her yesterday, I’ve let the whole booker thing go. She’s thrilled that’s all that matters actually.
Oh, I’m so sorry. I’m grieving my adult son who was murdered in 2018. I’m exactly the opposite and don’t think I can read Hamnet. Maybe someday, just not right now. Much love from another grieving mom. 💞💐
It helped me , my daughter died June 2018 . Mothers love for her child writtern so well. Take one day at time .The book helped me at the right time but you must choose the right time for you to read as it's raw truth on how mother feels. xx
well i must read hamnet and 1000 ships and girl,woman, other..no doubt about it..have and will be reading mirror and light soon and i want to pick up on something i was glad to hear you say louise about the book working as a novel...i'm american and have a much skimpier knowledge of english royalty and history than either of you but both of the first two books in this trilogy have been absolute page turners for me as novels...as far as i'm concerned these could be totally invented characters and i'd be reading it exactly the way i have read it..all the characters are alive and rounded and interesting.
Isn’t book reading weird? I found Hamnet beautifully written but I was so unengaged with the characters. I did not connect. I did not like Agnes. But I think GWO has had so much attention it may lose out, though I would put it first.
The dream team are back! My day is much better.
Hahaha. Awww thank you. Some more videos from us both to come soon too.
I always adore hearing you and your Mum talk about books and your thoughts this year on the Women's Prize have been amongst my favourites. Therefore, I want to say thank you for the content. I have only read two of the books on the shortlist, one of them being Hamnet, which I am rather hopeful will win.
An absolute pleasure. Still more 2020 content to come with the 25th celebrations. And then onto 2021. Ha.
HAMNET HAS WON !!!
Congrats Maggie O'Farrell
Thank goodness my prediction was correct
I agree with your choice.
My daughter died June 2018 and this book helped me. Maggie put my life on the pages as she brushes Hamnet hair etc... I didn't feel so alone in my actions after my daughter's passing. Word for word I did the same as any mother would . Beautiful written book. I've never heard a bad review on this book.
Girl Woman Other also touched me as growing in area based in book markets people etc. Hamnet should win , every word on page touching , magical how Maggie wrote that book with a spiritual touch.
I thank her with all my heart the whole was great read.
Heather Kirkland, I am so sorry about the loss of your daughter. 💕💕💕
Heather I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. How incredible that the book helped in some ways. Sending you all my thoughts.
@@SavidgeReads thank you , remember to keep hugging your mum as we take life for granted.
It's lovely to see you together.
Await upload who has won prize today 9th Sept do you know ?
How amazing that you both picked the winner! I really want to read it but feel like I'm not emotionally prepared for it! Can't wait for the next longlist with your Mam :)
You do good solo videos, Simon, but the best videos are with you and your mum! Fantastic job as always. I hope, you pay her reasonably.
Hahaha she got a years supply of her favourite shower gels. I kid you not.
I just can’t read Hamnet because I’m grieving my adult son who was murdered about 2 1/2 yrs ago. I think it would just push me off the delicate ledge I exist on. So, I can’t share in the love of that one. But I am very interested in A Thousand Ships.
Cheryl Holsonbake ❤️❤️❤️ I’m so sorry for the loss of your son. No mother should have to bear that pain.
I can understand that Cheryl. It must be so hard. Sending you my thoughts as always.
New subscriber. Can’t wait to get my hands on Hamnet. I have started listening to Hilary Mantell The Mirror and the Light. Such a brilliant series.
Totally agree, with your winners choice 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Wait & see 🤞
FYI: Your couch blended in well with " the mirror and the light."
Not long to go now!!!!
Loved this video and hearing both your views!
Out of the shortlist I’ve only read GWO and really enjoyed it and think it achieved so much. I just bought Hamnet today as so many people love it and it’s been on my wish list for months now and I finally caved. Excited to read it!
Love to see you mom again ! ❤️
How amazing is Hamnet. Let's hope it wins. Great video Simon and Louise.
Awwww thanks Paula.
Simon and Louise, fabulous video! Simon, your face when your mother pulled out Girl Woman Other...just a fleeting look of pain but it was priceless!
I haven’t read all of these books but, of those I have, I absolutely agree. Hamnet pretty much left me on the floor. Beautiful story, beautiful writing, and an expression of grief I don’t believe I’ve ever read before. Bravo, you two!
And as an aside, Louise, you look particularly lovely in this post. Not that you don’t always, but you are positively glowing.
Thank you both again for such a wonderful video! 💕💕
Do you know what though. That shows how brilliant this longlist is because on different days Natalie Haynes could be my number two or Bernardine could be number one. Which is kind of amazing. If bloody hard to decide for a video let alone for the ACTUAL prize.
Hamnet all the way. I have to say that I’ll be horrified if Weather wins. It’s a perfectly fine book, but so easily forgettable book. I’d have put 2 books from the longlist ahead of it without question (Red At The Bone and How We Disappeared). Louise is so right about Hamnet being a future classic. I was nodding along as she talked about the things that stood out. I can picture all those rooms. I can hear his scream of grief when he sees what has happened. I can see them walking to bury their child, William struggling with his body. Every single scene in this book is beyond compare. I read paragraphs out loud too (to the cats, I guess). I still think of the paragraph where he learns her name. Ann-yis. It’s the most beautiful, heartbreaking piece of literature I have ever read. I haven’t read all 6 books, but it will be like a gut punch if this book isn’t rewarded. It is that perfect.
Totally agree with all of this. And when William tells Agnes he looks for Hamnet in every audience during his plays. Gut-wrenching but so moving.
It is such an incredible book. I mean it was horrid to pick between three really for me, but how brilliant to have read those three FEASTS of fiction.
I made the same face as your Mum when you pulled out GWO but I am thrilled you both chose Hamnet! It is utterly gut wrenching and wonderful 👍🏻📚
Hahaha I was slightly shocked at myself. But GWO was my book of 2019 and I’ve wanged on about it loads and I think people could see in my face/hear in my voice that it was really tough... AND WE WERE DOING THIS FOR FUN!!!
SavidgeReads there is certainly no hiding your love for GWO 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
This video made me so happy! First of all, any video from you two makes me happy. But this one in particular, because I've read Weather and Dominicana from the shortlist (and just started The Mirror & the Light) and really liked them. So this means that the remaining three books are going to be even better, real corkers. Thank you for making these videos about the Women's Prize for Fiction. They have been such a joy to watch!
Hahhaha well you might have different taste from us but hopefully. And how lovely that we can make people happy... that makes me happy.
Well done you two!! It is a beautiful book, a well deserved winner.
Your reaction to your mom's #3 pick was everything!
I was shook. But actually for Mum in hindsight it makes total sense. And A Thousand Ships is bloody brilliant.
Another fantastic video and thank you for championing The Women’s Prize. My favourite is Natalie Haynes’ A Thousand Ships, but I honestly don’t mind who wins, they’re all fantastic in their way.
All the best to you both and thanks again.
A pleasure Andrew. We will be doing it all over again in 2021.
I’m halfway through Hamnet, and it’s already the best book I’ve read this year! I would have read an entire book of just the part about how Judith came to be sick/how the illness traveled and was spread. It’s definitely one of the most immersive books I’ve ever read. I felt the same way as Louise about Girl, Woman, Other; I loved it, but it hasn’t stayed with me either.
Amazing video , i definetly want to pick up your top 2 books now and i love you and your mom together
I always look forward to seeing you and your mom discuss books - always brightens my day!
Really hope Hamnet wins! Can’t stop thinking about it ❤️ I hope Louise made it out of the library alive after that moment with Girl Woman Other 😂
I can confirm she’s still very much alive. Ha.
You two are adorable and I’ve so enjoyed hearing you talk through these. ❤️
One of my favourite short-lists for a long-time, such a strong list. Have to agree with Hamnet.
I think it’s one of my favourite too.
I’m in total agreement with your top 2. Would love it to be Hamnet, but would be happy if either that or GWO win - both such wonderful books. Fingers crossed.
Yes. If either of those win. Or Natalie to be truthful. I will be happy.
A thousand ships! A book worth rereading over and over. I loved it.
Me too. Must listen to Natalie reading it on audio as a reread.
Thank you so much for your fun chat about these books. I read A Thousand Ships on your previous recommendation and absolutely loved it! I would have never read without your recommendation. Also have read Hamnet and GWO. Can’t decide between those 2 for a winner.
So pleased you read A Thousand Ships and enjoyed it so much. Though that said if my mother and I had to pick between two, I want you to.
It's far more interesting, if you differ in your opinions! But also lovely to see how much you both loved your number one. These videos with your mum are a real treat.
This is the closest in choices, both longlist to shortlist and shortlist to winner I think we’ve been... oh hang on we’ve only done it twice. Ha.
THAT'S IT: I pick up hamnet right now, and after Girls, women, others.... You two are absolutely adorable!!! The only problem that I have is keeping track with them to know when there will be a french traduction. So my mom can read them also. Have a nice one!
Awwww thank you. I’ve no idea on translations sorry. But the good news is that two treats will get to your mother eventually.
This was great! I can't wait to see you reaction to the winner!
Oh the shade when you pulled out Girl, Woman, Other because ‘you’ve been a prize judge you’re meant to pick a winner.’ 🤣
Hahahaha it’s true though. It’s literally (ha) what you’re paid to do.
i too am looking forward to reading the mirror and the light however am keeping it for winter time when it's cold outside. In the 1950's my grandmother told me all about Thomas Cromwell on long car journeys. I am sad she is not alive to read it as she would have loved the trilogy however she inspired me to be an avid reader.
Loved this! Now off to buy Hamnet
Yay! Hamnet won! Along with A Traveller at the Gates of Wisdom it's my favourite read of the year. 💗
Saved this to watch at the end of a pretty trying day at work - what a treat! 😊
Glad we gave you a treat at the end of a tough day. Hope tomorrow is better.
@@SavidgeReads going better so far thanks 😊 you both must be happy with the recent announcement 👏👏
Please let it be Hamnet. It's just a beautiful book and some amazing writing from Maggie O'Farrell. Others have won prizes and I think Maggie truly deserves this prize. Second would have to be Girl Woman Other which I also loved and am currently listening to on audio.
Yeah. I think lots of people would be very happy if Maggie or Bernardine won.
I will now definitely also get A Thousand Ships. It' s been a couple of months but I'm ready to be heavily invested and emotional over a book.
Do it do it do it.
@@SavidgeReads Milkman really got to me!
But I've put down an order, it's so pretty too!
Great stuff. More Amazon deliveries! The chemistry between you and your mum is great.
Or local indie bookshop or high street deliveries ;)
@@SavidgeReads good point. Visited The Book Shop in Wigtown, Scotland last year. Owned by Shaun Bythell whose Diaries of a Bookseller and Confessions of a Bookseller are well worth a read. He once shot an Amazon Kindle and the remains are on show in the shop. I do have a Kindle myself - good for reading in the dark.
Ohh I've really been looking forward to this! You two are just a delight to watch.
I've not really kept up with the shortlist, from the list I've only read Girl, Woman, Other, which was an amazing read. I've also got A Thousand Ships on my shelves ever since it was released, and can't wait to get to it. Hamnet is on the way to me, it sounds fantastic and as if I shouldn't attempt to read it in public.
You’ve two absolute treats ahead of you!!
Great reviews as always, thank you both :) It's tough field this year for sure! I'd love for Hamnet to win - such a powerful book and so expertly crafted. I also loved A Thousand Ships. I listened to it on audio and highly recommend. Natalie Haynes reads it herself and the nuance in each of the women's voices is outstanding.
I think I might have to reread A Thousand Ships on audio.
Bought "Hamnet" at your first mention of it. Ashamed to say I haven't started it yet as I had to finish a pile of other books ahead of it. Excited to dive in. Love these videos with you and your mom!
Never be ashamed. Books are for when your in the right mood etc etc. It’s not going to run away. Lol.
Can't wait to see who wins !! Loved hearing both of your thoughts . I am fairly certain you picked the winner last year so it will be interesting to see !! 🤞🤞 ❤️
Did I? I can’t even remember. I find this final prediction video so stressful I blank it.
Hamnet is definitely my #1 on this shortlist. I think I’m with your mum on the overall order except that I would put Dominicana last (so maybe I’m a combination of the 2 of you?). Wonderful video, extremely strong shortlist, really really hope that Hamnet wins.
I find the way we all put this books in different orders SOOOOO interesting.
@@SavidgeReads I'm utterly ecstatic that Hamnet won! I was on a late lunch break and actually started to well up. The book causes tears no matter what!
Great video. Thank you. I totally agree with your mother, Simon.
Hahahaha. She’s everyone’s favourite. Her or Chris. WHAT ABOUT ME???? Hahahaha.
SavidgeReads oh between the three of you it’s just impossible to chose! You re all wonderful
SavidgeReads congratulations! We were all right ! A stunning novel
OK - yes I did jump to the end first, but then I went back and watched from the beginning.
I know you all so well ;)
I paused the video and almost got up because I thought Oscar was my cat at my door! LOL
Natalie Haynes does read the audio book for A Thousand Ships - I only know this because I've just gone and borrowed the audiobook from the library because of this video!
Oooooooh. I bet she does it funking brilliantly.
I really need to find hamlet soo much and I loved girl woman other loads. A thousand ships is on my library ebook so will read it on there soon
Oooh you’ve in for two treats there.
Completely agree with your winning pick but I’d also be happy if GWO or TMATL won. So spoilt for choice with this year’s shortlist
We have been haven’t we. I’ve just said that to one of the judges. What an absolute treat of a shortlist. The longlist was blooming brilliant too.
SavidgeReads It was; whittling it down to 6 must’ve been so tricky.
I love these videos! I felt stressed watching it. I loved Hamnet. 🤞🏽
I felt quite stressed filming it. Hahaha.
Fabulous content-I need to get to your top 2
Hope you enjoy them when you do Sue.
Those cheeky hardback copies of Mantel in the background have my heart like 💓
Hahahaha. I’ve still not read them. Bad me.
Half way. I bloody loved A Thousand Ships. I now finally understand some of the mythology. The only thing i remember from before is the horse and Helen and Paris. Wow there's so much more.
Soooooooooooo much more. Yes.
Just as you mentioned Oscar I went to look out the back door as I thought it was one of my cats ha
Hahahaha. You’re not the only one.
I've already named Hamnet as my favourite, but I would put The Mirror and the Light as second. I also put Weather last.
It’s really interesting to see other people’s preferences. One of the things I love about it so much.
I love vids with your mom!
Awwww thanks.
Hamnet for sure, but I also adored A Thousand Ships.
It’s fabulous. Like it’s author.
Whatever the result nothing will be as bad as GWO sharing the Booker last year. I'm rooting for GWO or Hamnet, but I won't be mad at any of them winning!
Do you know what? After hearing Bernardine talking about it when I did my instalive with her yesterday, I’ve let the whole booker thing go. She’s thrilled that’s all that matters actually.
@@SavidgeReads that's very true. The Booker is where I first heard about her, and I'm so glad it lead me to her work
I lost my daughter. I have ordered Hamnet. Hoping it will help me with my grieve.
Oh, I’m so sorry. I’m grieving my adult son who was murdered in 2018. I’m exactly the opposite and don’t think I can read Hamnet. Maybe someday, just not right now. Much love from another grieving mom. 💞💐
It helped me , my daughter died June 2018 . Mothers love for her child writtern so well. Take one day at time .The book helped me at the right time but you must choose the right time for you to read as it's raw truth on how mother feels. xx
Stacey Darlington , please accept my heartfelt prayers. I hope this book will give you comfort. ❤️❤️
@@cheryllovestoread Thank you so much. I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my daughter 4-25-19. I feel drawn to this book.
@@heatherkirkland9056 Thank you. I am so sorry for your loss.
I would love Hamnet to win!! Would also be happy with Girl, Woman, Other winning. Must read A Thousand Ships.
You MUST it’s such a wonderful book.
When I heard Oscar meowing, I thought it was one of my cats wanting something, and I went to investigate.
Hahaha. He had a lot to say about Mantel’s trilogy.
I can confirm, Louise predicted four and Simon a mere three of the shortlist 😊. I'll be gutted if Hamnet doesn't win... unless it's to GWO.
Mothers always know best. Ha. Well sometimes.
@@SavidgeReads had it right the first time!
Hamnet! Yea!
Totally agree, Hamnet for the win!!!
Not long to go now.
I really couldn't get into girl women and going to try again ive not read the other books xx
The audiobook is brilliant. I reread it on audio and loved it lots.
well i must read hamnet and 1000 ships and girl,woman, other..no doubt about it..have and will be reading mirror and light soon and i want to pick up on something i was glad to hear you say louise about the book working as a novel...i'm american and have a much skimpier knowledge of english royalty and history than either of you but both of the first two books in this trilogy have been absolute page turners for me as novels...as far as i'm concerned these could be totally invented characters and i'd be reading it exactly the way i have read it..all the characters are alive and rounded and interesting.
That’s a really interesting take. Thank you for your thoughts. I’ll pass them onto Mum.
@@SavidgeReads thanks and hooray!!!! watched the announcement and thought of you both...
Still need to read the top two!
Such utter treats ahead for you.
So I just bought Hamnet...
Woohoo!!!!
Omg when Oscar started mewing, my cat owner senses went all over the place 😂
He made himself known didn’t he? He really loves Hilary Mantel.
Isn’t book reading weird? I found Hamnet beautifully written but I was so unengaged with the characters. I did not connect. I did not like Agnes. But I think GWO has had so much attention it may lose out, though I would put it first.
That’s all the fascinating nature of books and reading though isn’t it. If we all agreed it would be bloody boring. Lol.
SavidgeReads Too right. And you called it so well done!
HAMNET!
That’s very definite 🤣