Okay I loved your naming local cats anecdote, I do this and named my neighbour's completely white cat "Snow-cat" and it turns out his actual name was "Ice man" 😂
I hope you enjoy this video, everyone! I just realised I forgot to include Cursed Bread in the stack at the end - I'd put it between Homesick and Trespasses ☺ There were also two things I meant to mention: at one point, Children of Paradise has a clumsy use of the word 'handicapped', which threw me, and The Bandit Queens has several fatphobic characters. Just wanted to mention that for those who like to be aware of these things. Let me know which books you've read/are looking forward to reading. x
I so respect your opinions on books and I really appreciate the time you took to put together such a comprehensive review video. I had thought I would only read five of these but I've just requested Memphis from the library and I'm considering Children of Paradise based on your review. Thank you!
So that I can go back and watch your reviews after I read each one: 15:45 I'm a Fan 19:17 Children of Paradise 26:41 Homesick 29:26 The Bandit Queens 39:05 The Dog of the North 43:14 Black Butterflies 47:25 Memphis 54:40 Cursed Bread 58:36 Wandering Souls 1:04:42 Trespasses 1:06:04 Fire Rush (unfinished at this point) 1:08:42 Demon Copperhead (unfinished at this point) The Marriage Portrait and Glory are reviewed in other videos Chose not to read Pod and Stone Blind
We have two regulars that come to our patio for extra meals but we call the Fluff (cuz he’s fluffy) and Swirly Boots (cuz he has lil white boots and swirly tabby patterns)
I know you got the books early, but it's still impressive how many you've read already. I love getting your input so early on. I've read 5, have two on hold at the library and another ebook on loan from the library. After I finish those, hopefully more will be available.
@@jenvcampbell I'll read The Bandit Queens next. Then, the library books, Cursed Bread and Stone Blind. I agree with your remarks about The Water Cure and I liked A Thousand Ships. Hopefully, some others will be available after that. I've read Glory, The Marriage Portrait, Trespasses, Memphis and Homesick. I am currently reading Demon Copperhead. I feel pretty much the same as you about it. It's technically very good, but I don't get excited to pick it up.
Jen, I’ve recently discovered your channel and I’m obsessed. I’m so grateful for your content. I unfortunately don’t have any fellow readers in my life and don’t get to gush about books so I love hearing you tell us about all the great and not so great books you come across. With each video of yours I watch, my TBR grows 😊
This vlog was a delight! Thank you thank you, Jen. Very excited for the Women's Prize this year, especially after seeing your impressions. Sending you lots of love, always ❤
It was so interesting to hear your thoughts, as always. I was already intrigued by Memphis, but even more now! Lola is too cute. Hope you’re recovering well.
I have officially been influenced to read the cinema one - it’s a story I kept passing over but I hadn’t realised it had such gorgeous imagery in it! Thank you for making this!
I absolutely adored this video - thank you so much for making it and being restrained enough to film yourself discovering the longlist rather than excitedly diving in without the camera! 😄 The books that appeal to me the most are; Fire Rush (I heard a wonderful podcast with the author and I love the idea of listening to the playlist while reading this), Wandering Souls (thanks to your review - I really love mixed mediums and narratives in a book when done well), and Children of Paradise (again, thanks to your review. I also adore Angela Carter!). I’ve always loved reading about other art forms so the books involving cinema/film and music intrigue me. Thanks again, and hope you are fully recovered now! P.s. I have the cat voice you mention and would be mortified if anyone heard me talking to my cat Morpheus 🤣
that's so exciting that they sent the books without telling you what was inside. A surprise box! I was kind of hoping Vladimir would make the list too but i am glad that there are now lots more books on my radar. Especially excited for Pod as I adore The Bees by Laline Paull.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. You're so poignant and thoughtful when talking about books you're reading and this video helped me decide in which order to read the longlist. Loved the cuddle with Lola, made me feel relaxed by just watching. Hope you're doing well after the surgery.
I know you got the books early but it is still so impressive that you got through so many of them already! Picking up a few based on your recommendations:) Thanks!
Definitely now interested in Memphis as I really enjoyed the vanishing half and really want to read children of paradise and bandit queens after hearing you speak about them
I was so looking forward to this video, the Women’s Prize was how I found your channel last year and I’ve really enjoyed your content since then. I’m usually a watcher/lurker rather than commenter but I just wanted to say that the fact that you still made this even though you were recovering from your operation was absolutely amazing. Thank you for helping me decide what order to read the ones I had been interested in as I will never get through them all! Comfy flannel PJ’s for the win!
Thanks for this brilliant video Jen - I am so happy that we got to see you gradually recover, too! Quite curious about The Dog of the North now. I do have Jennifer Croft’s book on my shelves so I might read that first. Also I was struck by what you said about liking books that were ambiguous as to the time period they are set in. Having read history in uni, I actually HATE when books are like that - I want to know when and where exactly stories are set, it makes such a difference for my enjoyment and ability to get fully immersed in a story… that was my problem for example with Cold Enough For Snow, I was missing some specificity there. 😂
I love those videos, I don't follow prizes but theyre just a good excuse to hear about a lot of different books at once! Quite interested by the Bandit Queen, I'm a Fan and Homesick! Thank you for your work as usual!
Been looking forward to this video ever since I saw the string of updates about all the nominated books over on Storygraph. Your videos about this prize are usually my favorite of the 'prize season'.
Finally!! Someone else bored by Dickens. Like I know a few English teachers who are ardent fans and are constantly upset with me preferring literally any other classic author lol This was a very interesting list. I’m going to try to read as many as I can find
First, I hope you are feeling better by now, Jen, and on the mend. OMG that...display? in the hospital entrance is absolutely terrifying and creepy. Demon Copperhead is AMAZING on audio, if you have access to that version. Thanks so much for putting such a fantastic, wonderful overview of the Prize books together for us while you were recovering!
I really enjoyed your review of the long list. I’ve only read two - The Marriage Portrait, which I really enjoyed (fan for life of Maggie), and Stone Blind - which had a lot of the characters from the movie Clash of the Titans - and I’ve always LOVED the horror of Medusa, so on audio, this book was entertaining but I’m a lil surprised that it’s on this list. I’ve got that fabulous cover of Demon Copperhead coming to me from the UK so I’ll definitely be reading that one! I have Trespasses, so I’ll be reading that. The others that really stand out for me are The Dog of the North, Memphis, and the Bandit Queens! I’d love to read those as well. I’m dying to see what makes the short list! I have a feeling that Maggie Ofarrels will make it there and Demon Copperhead, other than that i really couldn’t say but I truly enjoyed your review of them. Im glad to see you’re healing up from your surgery and I am impressed by how you took it in stride and were so brave and stoic about it all unlike myself who gets dramatic and fearful 😂. I love your mind and your insights. You truly are brilliant. Have a lovely springtime!
When I saw the length of this video, I knew I was in for a treat! I find you so brave, planning videos after an operation, doing them, and making other people happy. I guess, although it is rewarding, it is still hard work! I am a great admirer.
I really appreciate this brilliant video. It was really useful to hear your thoughts on each of these books. Thank you. I was initially most interested in Wandering Souls and Black Butterflies. I was Intrigued by Bandit Queens and Children of Paradise. I will probably still try each of these. I hope you are recovering well. Take care and thanks again 💛
Thank you for such a comprehensive video and for telling me what you liked/didn't like about the books. there were some I was very interested in reading but based on your comments, I doubt I would like it and be frustrated and then there are some that I didn't think about getting that now I will. Also appreciate the note about listening on audio - there are some books that really do work best in that format. Although lol at the only two books I have read being Stone Blind and Pod.
I really like the way you pronounce tombola. In spanish, the strength is on the first syllable (TOMbola) but in english it seems to be on the second (tomBOla) and is quite charming. But about the books, I am excited to read Cursed Bread and Children of Paradise. My local cinema is also small and creepy and poisoned bread sounds delightful.
I think it's absolutely amazing that we're one week in, and you've nearly read them all! I know you started early, but still, wow! I feel like I'll revisit this each time I finish a book. So far finished stone blind (3.5*)and homesick (4.5*) and reading the marriage portrait and I'm a fan. I hope you're OK, I'm glad you seem to improve op-wise each day of the vlog x I don't know why they ask ppl to remove nail varnish - I have never found it makes a difference (even acrilycs and gels) when checking sats! 🤷🏼♀️ Xx
I don’t know how you do it! Incredible effort 💪 I’m working my way through and really enjoying it so far. I’m A Fan is excellent, and I’m reading Children of Paradise at the moment. It appealed to me the most, and I’m thrilled it was your favourite!
Loved this video. I finished Wandering Souls last night. It is great. I have ordered Children of Paradise and have Memphis waiting at the library and DC on my shelf. A shame about Black Butterflies as I thought it sounded a good premise. I started Stone Blind last night and immediately thought it wasn’t for me so we are very in sync with this list. Thank you for helping narrow those to start with. Dare I ask if you will be looking at the International Booker?
I'm glad you're on the mend. I'm amazed at your speed at getting through all this, when it came up, I was "what already??" amazing. I was already sold on the audio for Fire Rush, I really love a Caribbean narration. I'll bump Memphis up my TBR now, and think I'll go for the audio of that too. I'm still toying with reading David Copperfield first before Demon Copperhead. I like Dickens more than you do, but have difficulty with the length, and DC is a biggie.
Really enjoyed hearing your thoughts on all of these, Jen. I haven't read any of the books on the longlist (yet!). I'm most excited to read Cursed Bread, The Marriage Portrait and Memphis. I can't wait to start reading ☺
You've really sold me on Wandering Souls. Reading Demon Copperhead currently & I'm a little bored which isn't great as it's so long. Will persevere a bit longer. Nice to see Nurse Lola deploying her healing powers!
What a delicious video! Thank you so much for putting so much time and effort in it. I would love to read "Children of Paradise", not only because you said it has Wes Anderson and Ghibli-vibes (I love both) but because the story sounds so fun. 🤩
I’ve requested the whole longlist from the library. I already own three so didn’t request those. My plan is to read as many as I can before the shortlist and then I’ll probably keep going if there are ones on the shortlist I haven’t got to yet. It’s fun because it’s like being in a club with the other people also reading them from the library, I at least am of the mentality to read them as fast as I can and return them to the library the day I finish them or the morning right after. So far I’ve read Stoneblind, I’m A Fan, and Pod.
Your reviews are so nuanced, which I suppose is no surprise as you are a professional reviewer! I always get a good feel for which books I might like and why. My mom was a huge fan of Kingsolver, and because of her I have a lot of signed first editions. (Kingsolver used to live in the same city as my mom, so it tended to be the first stop on the book signing tours.) I enjoyed The Bean Trees a lot, but then did not feel connected to the next book of hers that I read (and obviously don't remember, since I can't think of the title). So I understand the detachment you feel from her writing. I will be checking out Demon Copperhead when it becomes available, though. Sending some healing vibes your way, Jen! 🩹🩹🩹❤🩹❤🩹❤🩹
I love that I was thinking of Indelicacy when you were describing the timelessness of Cursed Bread and then you said Indelicacy. I've started my reading but you've definitely influenced me. Especially on Cursed Bread and Children of Paradise neither had struck me particularly but I think I will try hand at. Also Black Butterflies I was really excited for and less so now. I'm almost done Trespasses and not enjoying it. Like it's not bad but I sm not drawn in at all by the characters. I'm devastated that I'm a Fan is not published in Canada because I love a good messy dynamic and critique. And can't wait for Bandit Queens to gome available at my library. Thank you for taking us along the journey.
Excellent reviews thanks Jen! I always love your longlist video as it helps me pick which ones I’m going to pick up. I was undecided about Wandering Souls but have bumped it up my list, am going to start with I’m a Fan first though!
Very much looking forward to reading Memphis, Children of Paradise, Wandering Souls, Bandit Queen and I'm a Fan - I have two of them atm but you've encouraged me to pick up the others
glad you're recovering well...and thanks for this and jen you could just keep inserting that bizarre hospital display each time and i'd be fully entertained.
I used to work on the reception at Westminster Abbey and someone staying in Guys and St Thomas hospital on a very high up floor rang us and was asking about the flag that was flying and curious about some architectural details on the towers and I felt so sorry for him because he was clearly bored and struggling in the hospital. Felt sad though because I had so many calls coming in I just couldn't chat. I imagine a good view helps just a little.
Currently reading Grudova's "Dolls Alphabet" and really enjoying it. Looking forward to "Children of Paradise" and "DC". Plus you've sold me on quite a few more.
love the sound of Ghost Girl Banana! im also super excited for Zadie Smith's upcoming novel, The Fraud, especially because its going to be historical fiction (which i love!!). ☺️
Wandering Souls sounds like a book I’d love. I’ve just finished My Fourth Time ,We Drowned by Sally Hayden It was best Irish nonfiction book in the An Post prize. Not an easy listen but very important.
I’m currently reading The Marriage Portrait & read Demon Copperhead a few months ago. The latter was the only book I desperately wanted to see make the list - loved it. Gory has been sitting unread on my shelf for months 😳. I’m really curious about Pod.
What a great video! And I am so glad you are feeling better. Before I watched your video, I was planning on reading (no particular order) I’m A Fan, Pod, Cursed Bread, Stone Blind, The Marriage Portrait, Wandering Souls, Trespasses, and (last minute addition) The Bandit Queens. I was planning on reading Memphis until I heard some unpleasant things about the author reacting to less than stellar reader reviews on social media. Is that fair? I don’t know. But it makes me not want to spend time on her work. Your review has given me pause and I might reconsider if it makes the SL. Demon Copperhead is just too damn long for me. I’ve just finished Empire of Pain, Patrick Radden Keefe’s book about the opioid epidemic and it made me think about reading Demon Copperhead now. We’ll have to wait and see. The audiobook narrator does have a fantastic voice. I’m a bit soft on Stone Blind. On one hand, I adore Greek mythology; I have since I was a child. But retellings? I’m not sure about those. I hear that Haynes makes Perseus a bit of a buffoon in this book and that doesn’t sit well with me. If it doesn’t work for me, it’ll be a shame because Medusa has always been one of my favorite myths. I will probably add Children of Paradise after seeing your review. Gross stuff does make me want to say no though. Gross for the sake of being gross doesn’t work for me. That’s why I stay away from Moshfegh. But you have me curious. Hopefully it’s not too gross. Thanks for the really top-notch reviews!
I'm only a little way in, so I'll comment more fully, but I'm not sure if I've read the same edition of homesick! I listened on audible and it came with a pdf file of photos. I think that in 2019, when it was published as a memoir, it came with photos. So I'm not sure if I've read the women's prize edition?! But the quote you read aloud was the same so 🤷🏼♀️ Anyway, I'll watch the rest tomorrow as it's late, but as always, you've brought me comfort on what has been a very hard day xx
I think it’s been rewritten several times. She wrote it in Spanish first, then wrote another version in English with photos which was published in the States a few years ago, and then it’s been changed again and published here. So, an odd one! I’m sorry you’ve had a hard day x
I have your shortlist reserved at the library, hopefully the books will get to me before the winner is announced. I did read Demon Copperhead recently via audiobook and loved it. I think it's a winner. I was disappointed by The Marriage Portrait and Stone Blind when I read them, so I wouldn't want to see them on the shortlist. Pod and Glory are at that library waiting for me to pick them up this week, so I'll have a go at those too. It will be my second attempt at Glory, wish m luck, hopefully I'm in the mood for it.
I wasn't that interested in Demon Copperhead but you convinced me to read it. Stone Blind wasn't for me either, and I love Greek retellings usually. You are a great reviewer, very thoughtful and articulate. I have I'm a Fan, Pod, Bandit Queens, The Marriage Portrait, The Dog of the North and Cursed Bread on my list. The Others didn't really appeal to me based on their summaries.
Very much enjoyed this video! Did anyone else notice 'The Dog of the North' it states on the front 'SHORTLISTED for the Woman's prize for fiction', that must be a typo? Unless the author has been shortlisted before and I missed it?
I only made it through David Copperfield because of Richard Armitage 😂 Right now I'm listening to Glory (I tried reading it but I just couldn't get into it).
I loved Wandering Souls so much too. I have read 5 of the longlist so far and currently reading I’m A Fan. The list was for the most part unexpected which is always a fun thing as there are so many new books to discover. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the books. Take care Jen and I hope you feel better soon xx
Thank you. So much to discuss. One question for now. Homesick was published in the USA in 2019 as a memoir. What? Do you know the backstory about this? Seems to be a bit of a pickle.
Now I’ve read that Croft first wrote it in Spanish as a novel. Maybe she rewrote the novel in English and that is what is in the WP long list. Charco press doesn’t give any backstory. I ordered a copy from my USA library and I have the memoir version!
Yes, it’s been rewritten several times. She wrote it in Spanish first, then wrote another version in English with photos which was published in the States a few years ago, labelled as a memoir, and then it’s been changed again and published here as a novel. So, an odd one! x
I couldn’t get on with Pod either, made it to page 70 but it’s not for me. I enjoyed The Marriage Portrait but didn’t love it. Im listening to Stone Blind now but again, not loving it… bad start for me!
Lol the cat naming story 😂
Got to name those cats! 😅 x
Okay I loved your naming local cats anecdote, I do this and named my neighbour's completely white cat "Snow-cat" and it turns out his actual name was "Ice man" 😂
😅 I love that. We called our local white cat Ghost x
Ice man 😂
I hope you enjoy this video, everyone! I just realised I forgot to include Cursed Bread in the stack at the end - I'd put it between Homesick and Trespasses ☺ There were also two things I meant to mention: at one point, Children of Paradise has a clumsy use of the word 'handicapped', which threw me, and The Bandit Queens has several fatphobic characters. Just wanted to mention that for those who like to be aware of these things. Let me know which books you've read/are looking forward to reading. x
I really want to read Glory (however I want to read animal farm before before) but also children of pedirs
Thank you so much for the fatphobia warning, no one ever gives them and I want to stay away from those books!
I so respect your opinions on books and I really appreciate the time you took to put together such a comprehensive review video. I had thought I would only read five of these but I've just requested Memphis from the library and I'm considering Children of Paradise based on your review. Thank you!
So that I can go back and watch your reviews after I read each one:
15:45 I'm a Fan
19:17 Children of Paradise
26:41 Homesick
29:26 The Bandit Queens
39:05 The Dog of the North
43:14 Black Butterflies
47:25 Memphis
54:40 Cursed Bread
58:36 Wandering Souls
1:04:42 Trespasses
1:06:04 Fire Rush (unfinished at this point)
1:08:42 Demon Copperhead (unfinished at this point)
The Marriage Portrait and Glory are reviewed in other videos
Chose not to read Pod and Stone Blind
We have two regulars that come to our patio for extra meals but we call the Fluff (cuz he’s fluffy) and Swirly Boots (cuz he has lil white boots and swirly tabby patterns)
Swirly Boots! ❤️
@@jenvcampbell I would die if a neighbor heard me calling that name out 🤣
I know you got the books early, but it's still impressive how many you've read already. I love getting your input so early on. I've read 5, have two on hold at the library and another ebook on loan from the library. After I finish those, hopefully more will be available.
Thank you, Judy. Which books are you hoping to get to first? x
@@jenvcampbell I'll read The Bandit Queens next. Then, the library books, Cursed Bread and Stone Blind. I agree with your remarks about The Water Cure and I liked A Thousand Ships. Hopefully, some others will be available after that. I've read Glory, The Marriage Portrait, Trespasses, Memphis and Homesick. I am currently reading Demon Copperhead. I feel pretty much the same as you about it. It's technically very good, but I don't get excited to pick it up.
I wasn’t that interested in half of the longlist before this video but you’ve really sold me! I hope you’re recovering well xxx
Thanks, Rachel. I think it's a really great list this year. x
Jen, I’ve recently discovered your channel and I’m obsessed. I’m so grateful for your content. I unfortunately don’t have any fellow readers in my life and don’t get to gush about books so I love hearing you tell us about all the great and not so great books you come across. With each video of yours I watch, my TBR grows 😊
♥️♥️
This vlog was a delight! Thank you thank you, Jen. Very excited for the Women's Prize this year, especially after seeing your impressions. Sending you lots of love, always ❤
It was so interesting to hear your thoughts, as always. I was already intrigued by Memphis, but even more now! Lola is too cute. Hope you’re recovering well.
Thanks, Milena x
I have officially been influenced to read the cinema one - it’s a story I kept passing over but I hadn’t realised it had such gorgeous imagery in it! Thank you for making this!
☺️ x
Hope you’re recovering well Jen, such a lovely long video which I really enjoyed, can’t wait to pick up a few titles to add to my tbr
Hope you’re feeling better. Thanks for a great vlog!
Tresspasses won Irish debut novel of the year in the An Post prize. Louise Kennedy was previously a chef and poet.
I absolutely adored this video - thank you so much for making it and being restrained enough to film yourself discovering the longlist rather than excitedly diving in without the camera! 😄 The books that appeal to me the most are; Fire Rush (I heard a wonderful podcast with the author and I love the idea of listening to the playlist while reading this), Wandering Souls (thanks to your review - I really love mixed mediums and narratives in a book when done well), and Children of Paradise (again, thanks to your review. I also adore Angela Carter!). I’ve always loved reading about other art forms so the books involving cinema/film and music intrigue me. Thanks again, and hope you are fully recovered now! P.s. I have the cat voice you mention and would be mortified if anyone heard me talking to my cat Morpheus 🤣
Haha, all hail the cat voice! x
that's so exciting that they sent the books without telling you what was inside. A surprise box! I was kind of hoping Vladimir would make the list too but i am glad that there are now lots more books on my radar. Especially excited for Pod as I adore The Bees by Laline Paull.
I hope you enjoy it :D x
Out is amazing a must read. X❤
I really must get to it ☺️ x
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. You're so poignant and thoughtful when talking about books you're reading and this video helped me decide in which order to read the longlist. Loved the cuddle with Lola, made me feel relaxed by just watching. Hope you're doing well after the surgery.
That's very kind, Johanna, thank you. x
I know you got the books early but it is still so impressive that you got through so many of them already! Picking up a few based on your recommendations:) Thanks!
Thanks, Elizabeth, and happy reading! x
Definitely now interested in Memphis as I really enjoyed the vanishing half and really want to read children of paradise and bandit queens after hearing you speak about them
I hope you enjoy them :D x
Thank you for this, Jen! A delightful watch on this rainy Sunday evening, I could hear you talk about books for hours xx
Thanks for being here, Francesca. x
What a lovely, long vlog! So impressed that you read them all, and I appreciate your insightful reviews. Hope you're feeling better!
Thanks, Mary x
I was so looking forward to this video, the Women’s Prize was how I found your channel last year and I’ve really enjoyed your content since then. I’m usually a watcher/lurker rather than commenter but I just wanted to say that the fact that you still made this even though you were recovering from your operation was absolutely amazing. Thank you for helping me decide what order to read the ones I had been interested in as I will never get through them all! Comfy flannel PJ’s for the win!
Thank you, Lesley! x
Great video Jen! hope you are feeling better, and it's lovely to see you with your natural again! ♥
Thanks for this brilliant video Jen - I am so happy that we got to see you gradually recover, too! Quite curious about The Dog of the North now. I do have Jennifer Croft’s book on my shelves so I might read that first. Also I was struck by what you said about liking books that were ambiguous as to the time period they are set in. Having read history in uni, I actually HATE when books are like that - I want to know when and where exactly stories are set, it makes such a difference for my enjoyment and ability to get fully immersed in a story… that was my problem for example with Cold Enough For Snow, I was missing some specificity there. 😂
Ha! I love how we all love different things. x
I love those videos, I don't follow prizes but theyre just a good excuse to hear about a lot of different books at once! Quite interested by the Bandit Queen, I'm a Fan and Homesick! Thank you for your work as usual!
Thanks for being here ☺️ x
Brilliant watch I have definitely been influenced on some that I may have been doubtful about . Hope you are feeling better 😊
Been looking forward to this video ever since I saw the string of updates about all the nominated books over on Storygraph. Your videos about this prize are usually my favorite of the 'prize season'.
Thank you, Judit. x
Totally enjoyed this video so much I'm watching it again🤗
Great video! Great way to get to know some of the longlisted books. Children of Paradise and I’m a Fan we’re immediately moved to my TBR.
Finally!! Someone else bored by Dickens. Like I know a few English teachers who are ardent fans and are constantly upset with me preferring literally any other classic author lol
This was a very interesting list. I’m going to try to read as many as I can find
First, I hope you are feeling better by now, Jen, and on the mend.
OMG that...display? in the hospital entrance is absolutely terrifying and creepy.
Demon Copperhead is AMAZING on audio, if you have access to that version.
Thanks so much for putting such a fantastic, wonderful overview of the Prize books together for us while you were recovering!
I really enjoyed your review of the long list. I’ve only read two - The Marriage Portrait, which I really enjoyed (fan for life of Maggie), and Stone Blind - which had a lot of the characters from the movie Clash of the Titans - and I’ve always LOVED the horror of Medusa, so on audio, this book was entertaining but I’m a lil surprised that it’s on this list. I’ve got that fabulous cover of Demon Copperhead coming to me from the UK so I’ll definitely be reading that one! I have Trespasses, so I’ll be reading that. The others that really stand out for me are The Dog of the North, Memphis, and the Bandit Queens! I’d love to read those as well. I’m dying to see what makes the short list! I have a feeling that Maggie Ofarrels will make it there and Demon Copperhead, other than that i really couldn’t say but I truly enjoyed your review of them. Im glad to see you’re healing up from your surgery and I am impressed by how you took it in stride and were so brave and stoic about it all unlike myself who gets dramatic and fearful 😂. I love your mind and your insights. You truly are brilliant. Have a lovely springtime!
Jen, thank you so much for a great review as always! Wishing you a speedy recovery❤
When I saw the length of this video, I knew I was in for a treat! I find you so brave, planning videos after an operation, doing them, and making other people happy. I guess, although it is rewarding, it is still hard work! I am a great admirer.
Sometimes it's helpful to have a project to focus on ☺
Loved this highly informative vlog. Thank you.
Thanks, Jane ☺️
I really appreciate this brilliant video. It was really useful to hear your thoughts on each of these books. Thank you. I was initially most interested in Wandering Souls and Black Butterflies. I was Intrigued by Bandit Queens and Children of Paradise. I will probably still try each of these. I hope you are recovering well. Take care and thanks again 💛
Thanks for this video, Jen! The Bandit Queens and The Dog of the North are my anticipated reads. May your recovery be a quick and smooth one. 🌻
Thanks ☺
So thankful for your input, Jen! From the announcement and synopses, I am most intrigued by Fire Rush and Wandering Souls.
I hope you love them if you decide to pick them up ☺️ x
Love your blogs! 🥰
Thank you for such a comprehensive video and for telling me what you liked/didn't like about the books. there were some I was very interested in reading but based on your comments, I doubt I would like it and be frustrated and then there are some that I didn't think about getting that now I will. Also appreciate the note about listening on audio - there are some books that really do work best in that format.
Although lol at the only two books I have read being Stone Blind and Pod.
I really like the way you pronounce tombola. In spanish, the strength is on the first syllable (TOMbola) but in english it seems to be on the second (tomBOla) and is quite charming.
But about the books, I am excited to read Cursed Bread and Children of Paradise. My local cinema is also small and creepy and poisoned bread sounds delightful.
Thanks for all of your lovely reviews. Really helped clarify the list a bit better for me as I start in on reading it myself.
Glad it was helpful! ☺️ x
I think it's absolutely amazing that we're one week in, and you've nearly read them all! I know you started early, but still, wow! I feel like I'll revisit this each time I finish a book.
So far finished stone blind (3.5*)and homesick (4.5*) and reading the marriage portrait and I'm a fan.
I hope you're OK, I'm glad you seem to improve op-wise each day of the vlog x
I don't know why they ask ppl to remove nail varnish - I have never found it makes a difference (even acrilycs and gels) when checking sats! 🤷🏼♀️ Xx
Enjoyed this a lot! This is my first year really following the prize so I plan to get a few of these read prior to the shortlist being announced!😊
☺ what's top of your list? x
I don’t know how you do it! Incredible effort 💪
I’m working my way through and really enjoying it so far. I’m A Fan is excellent, and I’m reading Children of Paradise at the moment. It appealed to me the most, and I’m thrilled it was your favourite!
Loved this video. I finished Wandering Souls last night. It is great. I have ordered Children of Paradise and have Memphis waiting at the library and DC on my shelf. A shame about Black Butterflies as I thought it sounded a good premise. I started Stone Blind last night and immediately thought it wasn’t for me so we are very in sync with this list. Thank you for helping narrow those to start with. Dare I ask if you will be looking at the International Booker?
I will ☺️ x
Really loved this vlog. Helped me planned my reading list for the next few weeks. Thank you and hope you’re feeling better
Thanks, I'm sure I'll be better in a few days x
I'm glad you're on the mend. I'm amazed at your speed at getting through all this, when it came up, I was "what already??" amazing. I was already sold on the audio for Fire Rush, I really love a Caribbean narration. I'll bump Memphis up my TBR now, and think I'll go for the audio of that too. I'm still toying with reading David Copperfield first before Demon Copperhead. I like Dickens more than you do, but have difficulty with the length, and DC is a biggie.
Really enjoyed hearing your thoughts on all of these, Jen. I haven't read any of the books on the longlist (yet!). I'm most excited to read Cursed Bread, The Marriage Portrait and Memphis. I can't wait to start reading ☺
I hope you love them! x
That was a really lovely vlog!
I came running! 😂
🙌🏼
I have been intrigued by four books from the long list and they all made it to your short list. So now I want to read them even more.
Hurray! Which one do you want to head to first? ☺️
@@jenvcampbell Bandit Queens and Children of Paradise.
Happy reading! x
You've really sold me on Wandering Souls. Reading Demon Copperhead currently & I'm a little bored which isn't great as it's so long. Will persevere a bit longer. Nice to see Nurse Lola deploying her healing powers!
Let me know if you continue or part ways with it ☺️ I hope you love Wandering Souls, too x
Cursed bread and children of paradise straight on my list. Looking forward to your thoughts on Pod because it sound like my worst nightmare 😂 xx
I won't be reading it unless it's on the shortlist; not my cup of tea. x
What a delicious video! Thank you so much for putting so much time and effort in it. I would love to read "Children of Paradise", not only because you said it has Wes Anderson and Ghibli-vibes (I love both) but because the story sounds so fun. 🤩
We name our neighborhood cats! We only have 4-5 tho! You're lucky to be able to see so many!
It's a full time job remembering them all 😅 x
Thank you for this video. It was really interesting to hear your opinions on those books. :)
Thanks for watching, Cynthia x
Lovely video. ❤️ I wish I had the spoons and focus to read Fire Rush and Memphis, but The Dog of the North might be more my speed at the moment.
I’ve requested the whole longlist from the library. I already own three so didn’t request those. My plan is to read as many as I can before the shortlist and then I’ll probably keep going if there are ones on the shortlist I haven’t got to yet.
It’s fun because it’s like being in a club with the other people also reading them from the library, I at least am of the mentality to read them as fast as I can and return them to the library the day I finish them or the morning right after.
So far I’ve read Stoneblind, I’m A Fan, and Pod.
What did you think of those three? x
Your reviews are so nuanced, which I suppose is no surprise as you are a professional reviewer! I always get a good feel for which books I might like and why.
My mom was a huge fan of Kingsolver, and because of her I have a lot of signed first editions. (Kingsolver used to live in the same city as my mom, so it tended to be the first stop on the book signing tours.) I enjoyed The Bean Trees a lot, but then did not feel connected to the next book of hers that I read (and obviously don't remember, since I can't think of the title). So I understand the detachment you feel from her writing. I will be checking out Demon Copperhead when it becomes available, though.
Sending some healing vibes your way, Jen!
🩹🩹🩹❤🩹❤🩹❤🩹
Thank you, Sandee, and thanks also for sharing your experience of Kingsolver. x
And yes, it's really true! It was a practice in our Chinese culture but not in our era. And I'm a fan of yours from Malaysia!!!
Hi Abbey, sorry I’m not sure what you’re referring to: what was a practice in Chinese culture? x
I love that I was thinking of Indelicacy when you were describing the timelessness of Cursed Bread and then you said Indelicacy.
I've started my reading but you've definitely influenced me. Especially on Cursed Bread and Children of Paradise neither had struck me particularly but I think I will try hand at. Also Black Butterflies I was really excited for and less so now. I'm almost done Trespasses and not enjoying it. Like it's not bad but I sm not drawn in at all by the characters.
I'm devastated that I'm a Fan is not published in Canada because I love a good messy dynamic and critique. And can't wait for Bandit Queens to gome available at my library.
Thank you for taking us along the journey.
Ah, that's so frustrating! I hope you can get your hands on the Patel at some point. x
Excellent reviews thanks Jen! I always love your longlist video as it helps me pick which ones I’m going to pick up. I was undecided about Wandering Souls but have bumped it up my list, am going to start with I’m a Fan first though!
I hope you love them both as much as I did. x
Great video, Jen. I've only read two so far, neither of which grabbed me. I'm definitely going to try Children of Paradise next.
I hope you love it as much as I did ☺️ x
Very much looking forward to reading Memphis, Children of Paradise, Wandering Souls, Bandit Queen and I'm a Fan - I have two of them atm but you've encouraged me to pick up the others
I hope you enjoy them, too! x
glad you're recovering well...and thanks for this and jen you could just keep inserting that bizarre hospital display each time and i'd be fully entertained.
I used to work on the reception at Westminster Abbey and someone staying in Guys and St Thomas hospital on a very high up floor rang us and was asking about the flag that was flying and curious about some architectural details on the towers and I felt so sorry for him because he was clearly bored and struggling in the hospital. Felt sad though because I had so many calls coming in I just couldn't chat. I imagine a good view helps just a little.
Thank you so much for this video, it really calmed me down after a chaotic day
Happy reading, Larissa! x
Currently reading Grudova's "Dolls Alphabet" and really enjoying it. Looking forward to "Children of Paradise" and "DC". Plus you've sold me on quite a few more.
☺ x
love the sound of Ghost Girl Banana! im also super excited for Zadie Smith's upcoming novel, The Fraud, especially because its going to be historical fiction (which i love!!). ☺️
Did you mean to comment this on Mercedes’ video? ☺️ x
@@jenvcampbell oh LOL yes my youtube had autoplayed the next video in my playlist (which was your video) while i was adding the comment
Do I get a prize for guessing? Ha. I really liked the sound of Ghost Girl, Banana, too ☺️
Wandering Souls sounds like a book I’d love. I’ve just finished
My Fourth Time ,We Drowned by Sally Hayden
It was best Irish nonfiction book in the An Post prize. Not an easy listen but very important.
I’m currently reading The Marriage Portrait & read Demon Copperhead a few months ago. The latter was the only book I desperately wanted to see make the list - loved it. Gory has been sitting unread on my shelf for months 😳. I’m really curious about Pod.
Are you enjoying Marriage Portrait, and I'm assuming you loved DC? x
What a great video! And I am so glad you are feeling better.
Before I watched your video, I was planning on reading (no particular order) I’m A Fan, Pod, Cursed Bread, Stone Blind, The Marriage Portrait, Wandering Souls, Trespasses, and (last minute addition) The Bandit Queens. I was planning on reading Memphis until I heard some unpleasant things about the author reacting to less than stellar reader reviews on social media. Is that fair? I don’t know. But it makes me not want to spend time on her work. Your review has given me pause and I might reconsider if it makes the SL. Demon Copperhead is just too damn long for me. I’ve just finished Empire of Pain, Patrick Radden Keefe’s book about the opioid epidemic and it made me think about reading Demon Copperhead now. We’ll have to wait and see. The audiobook narrator does have a fantastic voice.
I’m a bit soft on Stone Blind. On one hand, I adore Greek mythology; I have since I was a child. But retellings? I’m not sure about those. I hear that Haynes makes Perseus a bit of a buffoon in this book and that doesn’t sit well with me. If it doesn’t work for me, it’ll be a shame because Medusa has always been one of my favorite myths.
I will probably add Children of Paradise after seeing your review. Gross stuff does make me want to say no though. Gross for the sake of being gross doesn’t work for me. That’s why I stay away from Moshfegh. But you have me curious. Hopefully it’s not too gross.
Thanks for the really top-notch reviews!
I know what you mean - I think my threshold is higher for that stuff because I do enjoy Moshfegh, but I drew the line at Cursed Bunny 😅 x
I'm only a little way in, so I'll comment more fully, but I'm not sure if I've read the same edition of homesick! I listened on audible and it came with a pdf file of photos. I think that in 2019, when it was published as a memoir, it came with photos. So I'm not sure if I've read the women's prize edition?! But the quote you read aloud was the same so 🤷🏼♀️
Anyway, I'll watch the rest tomorrow as it's late, but as always, you've brought me comfort on what has been a very hard day xx
I think it’s been rewritten several times. She wrote it in Spanish first, then wrote another version in English with photos which was published in the States a few years ago, and then it’s been changed again and published here. So, an odd one! I’m sorry you’ve had a hard day x
@@jenvcampbell 💛💛
I have your shortlist reserved at the library, hopefully the books will get to me before the winner is announced. I did read Demon Copperhead recently via audiobook and loved it. I think it's a winner. I was disappointed by The Marriage Portrait and Stone Blind when I read them, so I wouldn't want to see them on the shortlist. Pod and Glory are at that library waiting for me to pick them up this week, so I'll have a go at those too. It will be my second attempt at Glory, wish m luck, hopefully I'm in the mood for it.
Good luck! x
At 13:47 cute cat
I wasn't that interested in Demon Copperhead but you convinced me to read it. Stone Blind wasn't for me either, and I love Greek retellings usually. You are a great reviewer, very thoughtful and articulate. I have I'm a Fan, Pod, Bandit Queens, The Marriage Portrait, The Dog of the North and Cursed Bread on my list. The Others didn't really appeal to me based on their summaries.
I hope you enjoy the ones you've picked up. x
Very much enjoyed this video! Did anyone else notice 'The Dog of the North' it states on the front 'SHORTLISTED for the Woman's prize for fiction', that must be a typo? Unless the author has been shortlisted before and I missed it?
I talked about that in this video; she was shortlisted in 2016 for her book The Portable Veblen ☺x
Ah my fault for missing that bit!
I only made it through David Copperfield because of Richard Armitage 😂
Right now I'm listening to Glory (I tried reading it but I just couldn't get into it).
Richard Armitage, we are not worthy, ha. x
I dnfed glory loved Memphis and trespass was ok black butterflies and wondering souls both 5 stars xx
Thanks for sharing ☺️
A few more books! 🙂🙂🙂
☺
This was so good Jen. How old is Lola now?
She is coming up to twelve. x
That machine you showed us from the hospital is... so very weird.
So weird x
Also what’s the chance we can get Ferrante’s birth time? I wanna see a full chart
Did you mean to comment that here? 😅
@@jenvcampbell lol definitely not!!! Algorithm gremlins 😈
I loved Wandering Souls so much too. I have read 5 of the longlist so far and currently reading I’m A Fan. The list was for the most part unexpected which is always a fun thing as there are so many new books to discover. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the books. Take care Jen and I hope you feel better soon xx
Lots of new ones to discover, and so many debuts, too! x
The only Dickens I've read is A Christmas Carol...and that's only 100 pages long
A blissfully short one 😅
Thank you. So much to discuss. One question for now. Homesick was published in the USA in 2019 as a memoir. What? Do you know the backstory about this? Seems to be a bit of a pickle.
Now I’ve read that Croft first wrote it in Spanish as a novel. Maybe she rewrote the novel in English and that is what is in the WP long list. Charco press doesn’t give any backstory. I ordered a copy from my USA library and I have the memoir version!
Yes, it’s been rewritten several times. She wrote it in Spanish first, then wrote another version in English with photos which was published in the States a few years ago, labelled as a memoir, and then it’s been changed again and published here as a novel. So, an odd one! x
At 14:07 yes but really weird names
At 2:32 or even for different prize
Haha, that would be unfortunate! x
@@jenvcampbell agree
🖤💚
Marmalade is the double of our cat Pebbles, who is a boy
She's the loveliest cat. Give Pebbles and squish from me :) x
I couldn’t get on with Pod either, made it to page 70 but it’s not for me. I enjoyed The Marriage Portrait but didn’t love it. Im listening to Stone Blind now but again, not loving it… bad start for me!
I hope you can find some that you gel with soon ☺️ x
25 cats? I’m moving to your neighbourhood please?
🐈