Reading the Women’s Prize for Fiction Longlist Part One | A Reader’s Journal

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  • Опубліковано 26 лис 2024
  • For the first in my, relaunched once again, Reader’s Journal reading vlogs* I am starting on my ‪@Womens_Prize‬ for Fiction 2024 longlist reading journey. Which books do I head to first and how do I get on with them? You’ll have to watch to find out. #readingvlog #womensprizeforfiction #vlog #readingjournal
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 161

  • @MJ-in-Canada
    @MJ-in-Canada 7 місяців тому +14

    Castles! Cake! Candelabras! Chris! Cats! Cream tea! Congratulations!

    • @antineah1889
      @antineah1889 7 місяців тому +1

      Can I just add Peacocks!! I know, it somewhat ruins your lovely alliteration….but what’s a birthday without peacocks!?

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому +1

      All the c’s. Hahahaha.

  • @chiming_
    @chiming_ 7 місяців тому +7

    42 is the answer to “the question of life, the universe and everything”! Happy birthday Simon🎉😂❤

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому +1

      Hahaha. I’ve heard this a few times in the last few weeks 😉

    • @chiming_
      @chiming_ 7 місяців тому

      Hahaaa really? A lot of Douglas Adam’s fans out there.

  • @Salaciousreader
    @Salaciousreader 7 місяців тому +16

    My dad bought me Acts of Desperation when I went to visit him during Covid in Ireland and it was the last book he treated me to before he passed away. I was so nervous to read it because of that but finally took the plunge last week and adored it. I am planning on getting to Ordinary Human Failings soon, Nolan feels like a favourite author in the making. ❤

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому +1

      Sounds like he had amazing taste. How lovely of him and what a brilliant book to have given you. Sending my condolences 💐

  • @lizziebennet2700
    @lizziebennet2700 7 місяців тому +5

    Chris singing was just adorable. I wish my husband sang to me like that! Happy happy birthday! 🎂

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      Hahahaha request it for your next one!

  • @readingbytheriver5752
    @readingbytheriver5752 7 місяців тому +2

    Enjoyed Chris singing happy birthday. The cake topper was much fun.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      Hahaha. It’s quite extra. Well the singing and the candelabra were.

  • @jacquelinemcmenamin8204
    @jacquelinemcmenamin8204 7 місяців тому +7

    Of the Women’s Prize that I’ve read all have been great
    Enter Ghost ( I predict it will win)
    Solider Sailor
    The Wren,The Wren
    Ordinary Human Failings
    All were on audio. The narrator for Enter Ghost was particularly excellent.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      I’m not so sure Enter Ghost will win, that’s all I am saying for now 😱

  • @MilenaReads
    @MilenaReads 7 місяців тому +2

    came for the womens prize books, stayed for the happy birthday song.

  • @amandarademaker7269
    @amandarademaker7269 7 місяців тому

    Happy belated birthday! Biscuit is a lovely new addition to the family😸Enjoyed the vlog. Thanks for the recommendation of Ordinary Human Failings.

  • @anitahayne8621
    @anitahayne8621 7 місяців тому +3

    You have me very interested in Megan Nolan’s book. Knowing me I will probably purchase it today. I have absolutely no impulse control. I always look forward to what you and your mum think about the longlist. I am really enjoying your vlog, and I look forward to more in the future. Happy belated birthday 🎂 🍰🎈

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      Hahaha. Did you purchase it and if so have you read it and what did you think? No joint longlist videos from me and mum this year but shortlist ones will be coming.

    • @anitahayne8621
      @anitahayne8621 7 місяців тому

      @@SavidgeReads I just bought it. I really do love Irish authors. I am currently reading “James” by Percival Everett. So far I am really loving it. Recommendation for you: Tana French’s “The Searcher.” It is the first novel in her new Cal Hooper series. The second novel “The Hunter” came out recently. I am waiting for a library copy, but I am really itching to buy it. I always love it when you have crime recommendations. I have bought so many of your recommendations.

  • @dunkbiscuit
    @dunkbiscuit 7 місяців тому +4

    Restless Dolly Maunder - I feel completely the same. I've given up at half way. I'm really surprised this is on the longlist.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому +1

      Me too. I have a feeling that it’s quite a divided panel in terms of taste BUT I do think there is a really good shortlist in there. Well, depending on what they pick. Hahaha.

  • @carolewatson2113
    @carolewatson2113 7 місяців тому +4

    Love the Marilyn birthday rendition!

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      Hahaha. It’s been quite popular indeed.

  • @lomazowr1
    @lomazowr1 7 місяців тому +1

    Happy belated birthday glad you had a wonderful day.Icing on the cake Chris singing 🎂🥳

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      Hahaha. It was the icing on the cake for me too!

  • @smittenforfiction
    @smittenforfiction 7 місяців тому

    The best part is Chris singing. love it. Happy belated birthday!

  • @josephlastname
    @josephlastname 7 місяців тому +3

    what's weird is that Kate Grenville already wrote a "faction" book about her grandmother called Always Greener: The Restless Life of Dolly Russell, which was an Audible original. i think Restless Dolly Maunder is basically the same book again just with... even more conjecture? lol just bizarre

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      I don’t think that’s so bizarre. You could say it’s quite savvy. Like when authors turn a short story into part of a future novel.

  • @shawkitty2524
    @shawkitty2524 7 місяців тому +1

    This was a real smorgasbord of video venues to watch--enjoyed this video a lot! It was so great of you to adopt a 9-y/o cat!

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      So pleased you enjoyed the video. And the 🐈

  • @emmavd
    @emmavd 7 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for this delightful video, Simon!🌷

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      A pleasure. I’m so glad that you enjoyed it.

  • @elaineray245
    @elaineray245 7 місяців тому

    Absolutely fantastic video Simon, I love stately homes and ruins and some bookish content was just perfect. Looks like you’ve had a fabulous birthday week

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому +1

      It was a fab birthday week. Glad you enjoyed the vlog so much.

  • @blabbinglobster
    @blabbinglobster 7 місяців тому

    Thank you for adopting an older cat. That is wonderful. 😺

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      Ha. No need for thanks, it has been a delight to get him. People keep saying he’s lucky but I’m lucky!

  • @michelle.planteachread.413
    @michelle.planteachread.413 7 місяців тому

    Well that was an amazing video, so much to enjoy!!! ❤

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      Soooooo pleased you enjoyed it.

  • @abiwk04
    @abiwk04 7 місяців тому +1

    Thank you so much for Swayze’s bottom. I didn’t realise how much I needed that ❤

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      Hahahaha. There might be another bottom in the next vlog. No, thankfully not mine. Hahaha.

  • @SarahBrown-sm6jt
    @SarahBrown-sm6jt 7 місяців тому

    Loved this video Simon! And just seen that conveniently part 2 is up now so I can watch that tomorrow 🥳

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому +1

      Hahaha. You can. And part three will be up and live on Sunday!

    • @SarahBrown-sm6jt
      @SarahBrown-sm6jt 7 місяців тому

      @@SavidgeReads excellent - can’t wait!

  • @laurenclarke9284
    @laurenclarke9284 7 місяців тому

    Thrilled to see another of your wonderful vlogs 🎉

  • @bookonnoisseur
    @bookonnoisseur 7 місяців тому +2

    I love all the sweet animal content 🫶🏽

    • @bookonnoisseur
      @bookonnoisseur 7 місяців тому

      Also-I absolutely devoured Ordinary Human Failings…I had to get my hands of Acts of Desperation immediately! Megan Nolan is definitely becoming my new favorite author.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому +1

      Glad you enjoyed it.

  • @alche1197
    @alche1197 7 місяців тому

    Biscuit is a great name. When my daughter was little, we had a story we used to tell each other about a group of cats living together - one was called Biscuit! Love the vlog!

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      I think Biscuit really suits his name. It’s cute. And he is a lovely little ginger biscuit 🐈

  • @cherylynlarking191
    @cherylynlarking191 7 місяців тому +1

    hope you had a wonderful time at Powis. It's onmy short list of places to visit.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      I did have a fab time, I thought you could tell 🤣

  • @kduhy4379
    @kduhy4379 7 місяців тому

    Loved this video Simon and was waiting to hear what you thought of River East, River West. Like you I rather enjoyed this one but having read three more books from the longlist it is now my third favourite. Will read the Nolan book next following your recommendation. Thanks 🎂

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      Oooh interesting. We shall have to compare favourites at the end. I’m planning on a ranking video and shortlist prediction the day before the shortlist is announced.

  • @RhiannaVarney
    @RhiannaVarney 7 місяців тому +1

    I love videos like this! Ordinary Human Failings has been added to my tbr 😃

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      There is another one coming soon!

  • @tanyam6197
    @tanyam6197 7 місяців тому

    It looks like you had a lovely birthday. I agree that there are other Australian books that could have made the list. I have read and enjoyed Grenville but not this latest book yet. All the best to you 😊

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому +1

      I’m so pleased to hear it’s not just me. I feel a bit bad, like I’m slagging Dolly off and it’s not awful by any means… it’s just not the Grenville writing I know and love.

  • @rebecca.reader
    @rebecca.reader 7 місяців тому

    Loved this vlog!! A very happy belated birthday to you 🎉
    I haven't read any of these yet ( have read 3 different ones) but you have sold me on the Megan Nolan. It was one I have been least interested in but you have changed my mind 😮

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      Hooray! I want everyone to read Ordinary Human Failings, I’m bordering on obsessed about it. Hahaha.

  • @meganmadkour9328
    @meganmadkour9328 7 місяців тому

    Oh my. Foster is the spitting image of my sweet Oliver, who was my soulmate before he passed away few years ago. Seeing Foster made my day!

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому +1

      Awww glad he made your day!

  • @meganmadkour9328
    @meganmadkour9328 7 місяців тому

    Your husband is too adorable and he can sing me happy birthday anytime he wants!!!! ❤

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому +1

      I might have to set him up a Cameo account. Hahaha.

  • @Nurse_Kathy
    @Nurse_Kathy 7 місяців тому

    Simon, it’s your birthday but we’re getting a present! So excited for April Vlogs! 🎉

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      Hahaha. Next one incoming next Tuesday.

  • @ruthronan8987
    @ruthronan8987 7 місяців тому

    Congratulations, Powys Castle looked amazing and definitely on my to visit list. 🎉

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      It’s such a wonderful place!

  • @jenisalwaysreading
    @jenisalwaysreading 7 місяців тому

    Happy birthday! Also, you have a really lovely garden!

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      Thank you very much. I can take no credit for the garden, I’m not green fingered in the slightest.

  • @leeh4343
    @leeh4343 7 місяців тому

    Fab vlog Simon! 😊 (apart from the fact you were sick for some of it 😔) the cover of my copy of Restless Dolly Maunder from the library is horrific (yes it has a face on it) I much prefer yours. I’m going to pick it up next - it’ll be my first Kate Grenville. I’ve also read Western Lane from the longlist. So happy that there is at least one Aussie book on the list!

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      You’ll have to let me know what you make of the Kate Grenville. I feel so bad as I’ve been quite harsh but it’s only because usually she is soooooooo good.

  • @dianedickson6366
    @dianedickson6366 7 місяців тому

    I used your favourite fish and chip shop in my last novel and actually had a compliment from my editor for my description which was in part from seeing your videos of it over time, although I do know the areas as my aunt and uncle lived there. Ordinary Human Failings sounds like my cup of tea - maybe. I've ordered that one. Thank you for Patrick Swayze's bum I appreciated that. Aw you poor thing. I'm glad you were getting better. Great vlog

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      There may be more bottoms to come… as I watched the new Road House. Hahaha. How interesting about Parkgate!

  • @vanessahunter6570
    @vanessahunter6570 7 місяців тому

    Ordinary human failings, just blew me away, loved the writing, so much I have just bought acts of desperation. Megan is an author I will now keep an eye on and hopefully there will be more to come.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому +1

      Just utterly incredible. I’m really desperate (ha) to read Acts of Desperation, very soon. I might take it on holiday and then can pass it onto mum. Who also loved Ordinary Human Failings. Ha.

  • @kathy2539
    @kathy2539 7 місяців тому

    Chris has a lovely voice and I enjoyed his Happy Birthday. I hope you had a lovely day. Your Fish and Chip maker is very good by the looks of it . Here in Australia, where I live it's hard to find a good Fish and Chip shop.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      Was a lovely birthday thank you. And a lovely birthday week to be fair. Ha.

  • @katiesikkes1527
    @katiesikkes1527 7 місяців тому

    I absolutely loved Ordinary Human Failings and it has such a good title. I'm glad you loved it as well.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому +1

      I did. It’s, currently, still my absolute favourite from the list.

  • @Nataemily
    @Nataemily 7 місяців тому

    Happy belated Birthday 🎉I’m in the last months of being 42 and it has been a great year of getting back into reading. Love the name Biscuit, my lab is also called Biscuit and randomly also 9 and very playful, a great reading companion❤

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому +1

      Awwwww Biscuit’s are good reading companions it seems.

  • @leolamoon11
    @leolamoon11 7 місяців тому

    Happy belated birthday! Reading this list as well. I’ve taken a stab at six of them and finished five. One I couldn’t quite join the ride. Like you, I’ve read River East, River West and Ordinary Human Failings. I thought they were both lovely reads and I would not be mad if they showed up on the short list. Really similar reaction to you about Alva and Lu Fang. I was intrigued by Lu Fang’s story the whole way through and Alva had to grow on me, but she did. Ordinary Human Failings is brimming with sensitivity and humanity. Her writing isn’t too shabby either. High marks for these two. I haven’t got ahold of the Grenville book yet. I may just skip this one as I’m finding quite a difference in the quality of the books on this list and it doesn’t sound very compelling. May check out her other novels, though. Half way through the Blue, Beautiful World and kind of wished I’d put it down sooner. However, I’ve gotten this far…Hope your next read is enjoyable and glad to see you are feeling better.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      Ha. Thankfully I am coming a bit late to this comment so have experienced the Karen Lord myself now. Thoughts incoming in the next vlog. You did make me laugh when you said Mangan Nolan’s writing wasn’t too shabby. Hahaha. I thought it was stunning. I love that phrase though.

  • @angelaluz405
    @angelaluz405 7 місяців тому

    Great vlog! Also...that is solidly the best reason for not shaving a beard that I have ever heard!

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому +1

      Hahahaha. Though guess who trimmed it before hand because he had to film a campaign/crowdfunding video for work. Lol.

  • @ellenmadebookclub
    @ellenmadebookclub 7 місяців тому

    OMG The Castle The Views The Birthday Song THE CAKE CANDELABRA 😍😍 And I haven't even gotten to the books yet. Thank you for sharing that Simon and Happy Birthday in after shot, as we say in Sweden.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому +1

      Awwww thank you. I’m so glad that you enjoyed it so much!

  • @cindyhaiken5644
    @cindyhaiken5644 7 місяців тому

    That candelabra on your birthday cake was almost as amazing as Chris’ singing? The Biscuit footage was a treat! I have read all 3 of the WP for Fiction longlisted titles you read in this vlog and would order them the same way you did. Having said that, River East River West was a bit too YA for me and whilst I really liked Ordinary Human Failings, it did not linger with me for very long. Eager for more WP content!!!!

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому +1

      The joke is the cake was awful. Chris and I couldn’t finish a slice. Was soooooooooooo sweet. Hahaha. Looked fabulous though. Ooh I am still thinking about River East and Ordinary Human Failings, the other one… what was it again? 😉

  • @KirstyPritchard-n2l
    @KirstyPritchard-n2l 7 місяців тому

    Peacocks 🦚 are beautiful crazy cat man 🐈🤣🤣🤣 Enjoyed Meg Nolan’s first book 📖

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      I’m looking forward to heading to Nolan’s debut in due course.

  • @sarahmareacarr
    @sarahmareacarr 7 місяців тому

    Happy birthday. I love Chris so much.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому +1

      Back off he’s mine 🤣🤣🤣🤣😉

  • @peaseblossom4252
    @peaseblossom4252 7 місяців тому

    Happy Birthday!!! (It’s still timely because I firmly believe in extended celebrations). May I hire Chris to sing for all our family birthdays??? He sounds waaaay better than we do. …Such a beautiful castle! The Peacocks! Oh wait…I guess the 2nd one was a proper castle-anyway, loving the vlog style and taking us to such gorgeous places.
    Biscuit under the couch. 🥹♥️ And what a gorgeous view while enjoying fish n chips. …Haha, the 🍑 shot!!!! 😳😍😂 Have fun falconry-ing!!! 👑 🧔‍♂️ 🦅
    You have me excited to read more from the fiction list. So far I’ve read Hangman, The Wren The Wren, and Western Lane. I will be taking a pause from this list to read some possible Pulitzer contenders, but intend to read the long lists for both nonfiction & fiction eventually.
    Thank you for a very fun video!

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      Chris is getting quite the list of bookings for his singing talents. Hahaha. Glad you enjoyed the vlog so much!

  • @cecilialau_
    @cecilialau_ 7 місяців тому

    What a complete joy this was! I just love these vlogs (and let’s be honest, anything you post). So glad you had a lovely birthday! ☀️
    Yes, Megan Nolan! Happy to hear you enjoyed it, I can’t wait bc it very much sounds like my kind of thing. (And Enter Ghost)
    - It’s so interesting when ppl have the need to sort of insert themselves critically in other ppl’s lives. Bc it seems that thinking about why and what they expect to gain from it is not happening… And we don’t know each other but parasocially feel like we do apparently. Anyway, we can’t control other ppl. But glad you point it out bc it would be great with some self-reflection on this 😅
    Have to say the non-fiction shortlist got the same reaction from me! (Listened to A Flat Place and it was brill imo)
    - Sorry for going on and on!!

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому +1

      So pleased you enjoyed the vlog. Hope you enjoy the Megan Nolan if/when you get to it! I’m really looking forward to A Flat Place, won’t be heading to it for a while though. Need a prize reading break soon.

    • @cecilialau_
      @cecilialau_ 7 місяців тому

      @@SavidgeReads very understandable

  • @louisesavidgemuses4135
    @louisesavidgemuses4135 7 місяців тому

    I’m expecting Chris to sing like that to me in November 😂 I, too, loved Ordinary Human Failings 🎉❤

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      Hahaha. Will have to see if we can get that birthday singing sorted for you. Hope Tim enjoyed his earlier. Haha.

  • @angiesteg
    @angiesteg 7 місяців тому

    I loved Ordinary Human Failings too. A 5 star for me and my favorite book of the year so far.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      It’s definitely in my top ten of the year so far. A corker.

  • @katrinamuritala3207
    @katrinamuritala3207 7 місяців тому +1

    Nearly finished reading the books started non fiction short list

  • @charlottecantrell6110
    @charlottecantrell6110 7 місяців тому

    I’ve just cancelled my reservation for Ordinary Human Failings from the library and bought a copy instead! Looking forward to it. I’ve read The Maiden which is enjoyable. It’s not anything new but it is a good romp; I liked it. I’ve read A Trace of Sun as well which I thought was really good… almost epic in scope but just great characters and what it means to be family. Loved it. I’ve got Dolly next to my bed from the library but reluctant to pick it up now.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      Woohoo. I hope you enjoy (if that’s the right word) the Megan Nolan as much as I did. Fingers crossed. Haven’t headed ti A Trace of Sun yet. But have read The Maiden. I never want or mean to put anyone off a book. Dolly is good but it’s not the usual Kate Grenville brilliant, that’s just my opinion though and it’s still better than a lot of books I’ve read. Ha.

  • @janepeacock3704
    @janepeacock3704 7 місяців тому

    Omg Chris’ (MM Mr President) “Happy Birthday” & cake bringing-in was fabulous 😁👏🏻 I 💛 the candelabra 🎂 🤗
    As a ‘Peacock’ pleased to see those stunning birds amongst the lovely scenery ☺️
    ……… (commenting on these points now in case I forget !!)

    • @janepeacock3704
      @janepeacock3704 7 місяців тому

      Glad you’re feeling better ☺️
      We bump into now/then a lovely young rescue dog 🐕 called Biscuit 🤗
      I’ve read only two 2024 longlisted WP fiction titles so far & ‘Dolly’ is one of them; I agree with your views 👍 I did - increasingly - enjoy it, but I felt it was a bit lightweight. It’s the only title I’ve read by KG even though I’ve had Secret River on my shelves for 🫏’s years !! I must add though I did buy a used copy of One Life so I was certainly engaged in her family history X

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому +1

      Glad you enjoyed the singing and the peacocks. Lol. 🦚. Hope you enjoy The Secret River when you get to it. Kate is a great writer, Dolly is good but just not as good as I’ve read before. Which feels like such a grumpy gripey thing to say. But it’s true.

    • @janepeacock3704
      @janepeacock3704 7 місяців тому

      Just to say - so pleased I got to meet you at the Waterstones Piccadilly event on Friday ☺️👍 very interesting/enjoyable listening to you & the lovely Stacey Halls 📚👏🏻

  • @janethansen9612
    @janethansen9612 7 місяців тому

    I agree with your thoughts on Restless Dolly Maunder. I thought it was fine, but there have been so many excellent Australian fiction titles in recent years I don't know why some of those aren't being picked up by prizes. I've read five of this year's Stella longlist so far and I've enjoyed them even more than some of the Women's Prize longlist.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      I just kept thinking about Stone Yard Devotional and how it has been robbed. Hahaha. I’ve done a few Stella shortlists but it’s quite hard (and expensive) to get all the books over here.

  • @hegeste
    @hegeste 7 місяців тому

    Totally agree with you about River East, river West. I absolutely preferred Lu Fangs story line. But I also enjoyed reading abaout the mother-daughter relationship between Alva and Sloan. Sloan is in a way the third main character here, but we are not allowed her perspective and that makes her a riddle to solve in a way. Enjoyed that!

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      Sloan is I agree. Well actually no I don’t. I think the city is the third main character. Sloan fourth although I found her quite shadowy in a way.

  • @katrinaandallthebooks7993
    @katrinaandallthebooks7993 7 місяців тому

    I largely felt the same as you about these three books, I did give up on Dolly as I felt that important moments were dealt with in a paragraph which I don’t enjoy and I’m trying to be better at recognising 2/3 star books and not jut reading them because everyone else is.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      Yeah, the brevity of the history around Dolly just didn’t give me quite what I wanted. BUT I have thought since… maybe that’s the point, a lot of it didn’t affect Dolly hugely or directly (bar financial crash and the war) so she maybe paid them peripheral attention herself so Kate did too. Maybe.

  • @TK-ux5du
    @TK-ux5du 7 місяців тому

    I've also just finished Ordinary Human Failings and it's the best book I've read in years. I hope it wins- although that is very unfair to say since it's the only one on the list that I've read!
    Loved the extra long video and especially seeing more of cheeky Biscuit. 🐱💗🎂🎉

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      Ordinary Human Failings is just sooooooooo good. So chuffed you loved it too. It would be a worthy winner… from what I’ve read so far.

  • @karenmoore4430
    @karenmoore4430 7 місяців тому

    Hi Simon I am 6 down 10 to go on the Women’s Prize. I have read Restless Dolly Maunder, good story, not fab, and Ordinary Human Failings which I thought was really good.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      We have similar thoughts on those two it seems. Wonder how we will compare in the next vlog. Hahaha.

  • @kathleenwalsh3556
    @kathleenwalsh3556 7 місяців тому

    Hi Simon V enjoyable! Llandudno - where Alan Bates of the UK Post Office scandal was underpostmaster. The scandal 'ignorance and arrogance' is on all media here in NZ. Def want2 read the Nolan but book not reached the city library yet (sigh). Reading Day One, Abigail Dean's follow up to the remarkable Girl A. Also trauma-centred but only a few pages in. Glad ur feeling bettr. Biscuit is a super name, so there naysayers!

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      Sadly I didn’t get to Llandudno in the end as you saw, wasn’t the right day, luckily it’s just an hour or so away so can head there another time. Hope Ordinary Human Failings is at your library service soon.

  • @kimswhims8435
    @kimswhims8435 7 місяців тому

    Happy Birthday!
    You've completely convinced me that I need to read Megan Nolan's novel (I wasn't going to). Great Review! Good to hear an overview of the themes, without giving too much away.
    Brotherless Night is my fav from the Women's Prize for Fiction LL, so far.
    I liked Kate Grenville's novel, I don't think that the UK cover gives the right vibe to the writing at all. The Australian cover gives a more appropriate vibe. Yes, I agree there are other Aus Novels that are probably more deserving on a spot on the WP LL. Melissa Lucashenko's Edenglassie might be one. I would say Alexis Wright's Praiseworthy, which is brilliant but maybe the writing is a bit less accessible-it's more allegorical IMHO.
    Tudor style Falconery sounds very cool!
    Happy Reading 🙂

    • @janethansen9612
      @janethansen9612 7 місяців тому +1

      Kim, I agree with you about Edenglassie which is excellent. I've read five of the Stella longlist so far and enjoyed each of them more than some of the Women's Prize longlist.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому +1

      Hope the Nolan novel has the impact on you that it did on me. Haven’t read Brotherless Night yet so I can’t comment. The cover vibe of the Australian novel edition is a bit dry and dull and austere, is bang on hahaha. Edenglassie wasn’t eligable but Praiseworthy might have been, the different publication dates world wide don’t help. Hahaha.

  • @trintumblesthroughtomes6612
    @trintumblesthroughtomes6612 7 місяців тому +1

    Happy belated birthday

  • @juliewoan298
    @juliewoan298 7 місяців тому +1

    Had to stop the video early on to make this comment about bookmarks. I have hundreds and maybe more as have been collecting them as longer as I have been a reader…so 50+ years.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      It’s my new goal. Wherever I’m travelling at the moment my brain does a little ‘where might they have bookmarks’. I am in London at the moment, too many options. Lol.

  • @spexi513
    @spexi513 7 місяців тому

    HAPPPPPPYYYYYY BIRTHDAYYYYYYY SEASON ( bc I’m tardy to the party ) 📖🪱💚💚💚💚

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      Never tardy to any Savidge party. I’m still celebrating, will be having another mini party on Saturday. Ha.

  • @EllenFelicity
    @EllenFelicity 7 місяців тому

    Great to follow your experience of the list. I'm about two thirds through Dolly Maunder and tbh, I am bored. I agree it reads to me as 'this happened, then this happened, and then they moved here and then this happened'.
    Found some moments in River East a bit melodramatic (for me more some events in Lou Fang's life) but enjoyed it, it's a very good audiobook. I read Ordinary Human Failings a few months ago and recommend it constantly in tandem with Penance by Eliza Clarke

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому +1

      Ooooh. I’m a bit late to read Penance now BUT I have logged that recommendation and will get to it soon. I’ve still not read Boy Parts. Shame about Dolly, Kate’s usually so good and this could have been amazing. River East, River West has grown on me all the more since I put it down.

  • @jacquelinemcmenamin8204
    @jacquelinemcmenamin8204 7 місяців тому

    How are you now Simon? I’m currently listening to
    Restless Dolly Maunder
    Brotherless Night
    I have some text copies of
    The Maiden
    And Then She Fell
    How’s your reading going?

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      Oh I was fine the next day as I filmed, I think. Was a 24 hour (ish) thing. And how’s my reading going? Well you saw that too… with follow up vlog on next five (I think) reads coming next week 😉

  • @teresafonseca7582
    @teresafonseca7582 7 місяців тому

    Happy Birthday Simon. My bd too, I turned 64!

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      Belated happy birthday to you!!!!

  • @Nina_DP
    @Nina_DP 7 місяців тому

    Pausing video to say: my new goal in life is to have an adorable man sing happy birthday to me EXACTLY that way while bearing a candelabra-topped cake. Back to the video.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      Hahahahaha. People have very much enjoyed that. Almost as much as I did when it was live!

  • @MB-hc9tk
    @MB-hc9tk 7 місяців тому

    Kylie was my fave too in the 80s early nineties Simon ❤ my mom still has the record I used to play over and over , I’d be dancing around the kitchen to I should be so lucky and I’d look at the record (on the cover is kylie with a big huge hat on) and just think she is the most gorgeous amazing woman on earth 😂 ps Chris birthday song was epic , I think if I had that it would have to be replayed every birthday to come ( traditional birthday song not allowed in this house , only the stevie wonder version , except for the year my son requested fleetwood mac randomly🤷‍♀️)

    • @MB-hc9tk
      @MB-hc9tk 7 місяців тому

      Pps : very happy belated birthday 😘

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      I always wanted that hat without the top Kylie did. I never have had long hair though so it wouldn’t haven’t worked. Chris’ singing has gone down a storm.

  • @Lucy-of2fk
    @Lucy-of2fk 7 місяців тому

    Nice shirt Simon!

  • @Smurf-fo2xf
    @Smurf-fo2xf 7 місяців тому

    I read Dolly and I totally agree with you, I also found the ending very profound and although readable, I didn't feel I got to know her and therefore couldn't always get behind her or her actions. I felt it went too quickly especially through some pretty significant political events. I have enjoyed Soldier Sailor and Enter Ghost. I DNF one so far but I'm not feeling as excited by the books as I was last year

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      I have wondered if maybe the reason Kate doesn’t linger on the history, apart from at two significant moments, as Dolly wouldn’t have really paid them that much attention. I dunno. I’m slightly mystified.

  • @gemmagolder
    @gemmagolder 7 місяців тому

    I'm glad I made the decision not to start Restless DM, doesn't sound like it's for me at all. Totally agree with you about the negativity, but I will say the 2nd cat of your neighbours that you showed in the garden is odd looking 😂

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      Which cat? Cos that might have been my cat. Hmmm. Also you might like Dolly, I never want to stop people reading a book they might like just because I wasn’t a fan PLUS even a ‘bit the best’ Kate Grenville book is a book better than many out there. Ha.

  • @ecw199
    @ecw199 7 місяців тому

    So far from the Woman's Prize I have read The Maiden (because it was the only book I actually owned!), Restless Dolly Maunder (because it was the first reservation to come into my library) and Ordinary Human Failings. Ordinary Human Failings was just incredible an absolute 5 star read and to be honest I probably wouldn't have read this if it hadn't been on the longlist. But The Maiden and Restless Dolly Maunder were just fairly average, enjoyable enough historical fiction, and I don't understand how they got on the longlist. They certainly are accessible but I don't thing either is very original and I don't think I would call them execllent either. I won't get to the whole list but hoping to read River East, River West, Enter Ghost, Night Bloom and The Wren, The Wren and then see what's on the Shortlist.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      I don’t think I would have read Ordinary Human Failings if it hadn’t been for the prize. For some reason I wasn’t fussed about reading Acts of Desperation, now I can’t wait. I will share my thoughts on The Maiden in the next vlog. 😉

    • @ecw199
      @ecw199 7 місяців тому

      @@SavidgeReads looking forward to your next Vlog Simon, I trust your taste and so I'm keen to see what you've enjoyed. I'm certainly having a mixed time with the list, I have DNF Nighbloom although it is a DNF for now not a DNF forever and would certainly go back to it if it is on the Shortlist because it's well written and I did initially enjoy it. However 91 pages in and I just realised that there was nothing making me want to pick it up. Do ever get that, we're you like a book when your reading it but you just find yourself not drawn to it once you put it down. Anway trying The Wren, The Wren next.

  • @PattiReadsALot
    @PattiReadsALot 7 місяців тому

    I can’t believe you showed us an Egret! I don’t like them, how dare you???😂 **this is your dumb comment to piggyback off the peacock one- people are wild. Looks like you had a wonderful Birthday 😊🎉❤

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      Hahahaha. This just made me laugh so much! 🦚

  • @PooPoo_head
    @PooPoo_head 7 місяців тому

    DROP YOU SKINCARE ROUTINE!!!! I THOUGHT YOU WERE LIKE 28

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  7 місяців тому

      I genuinely don’t have one. It’s all thanks to my mother (who does not look 58) and her DNA.