London, England – The International Booker Prize 2024 shortlist has been unveiled, featuring novels that span across six languages, six countries, and three continents. The diverse selection of books promises to take readers on a journey through different cultures, styles, and human experiences.
Chair of judges for the International Booker Prize 2024, Eleanor Wachtel, expressed the power of novels in transporting readers to unfamiliar places and connecting them with new emotions and memories. She highlighted the unique ability of these shortlisted novels to weave together intimate personal stories with larger political and historical contexts.
Among the standout nominees is “Not a River” by Selva Almada, translated from Spanish by Annie McDermott. The novel delves into themes of masculinity, guilt, desire, and outsider suspicion, offering a poignant exploration of human nature and relationships.
Another compelling work is “Kairos” by Jenny Erpenbeck, translated from German by Michael Hofmann. Erpenbeck’s narrative intertwines a tale of love with the broader dissolution of a political system, offering a nuanced reflection on generational divides and societal changes.
“Itamar Viera Junior’s “Crooked Plow,” translated from Portuguese by Johnny Lorenz, tells the story of two sisters who discover a mysterious knife under their grandmother’s bed. The novel blends elements of magical realism with social commentary, emphasizing the importance of remembering history and protecting the land.
Hwang Sok-yong’s “Mater 2-10,” translated from Korean by Sora Kim-Russell and Youngjae Josephine Bae, offers a vivid depiction of ordinary working Koreans across different historical periods. At 81, Hwang Sok-yong is the oldest author on the shortlist, showcasing the richness of his storytelling and insight into Korean society.
“What I’d Rather Not Think About” by Jente Posthuma, translated from Dutch by Sarah Timmer Harvey, explores themes of grief and personal loss through the lens of a twin coping with the suicide of their sibling. The novel has been praised for its authenticity and poignant portrayal of human emotions.
Rounding out the shortlist are “The Details” by Ia Genberg, translated from Swedish by Kira Josefsson, which offers a compelling exploration of relationships, memory, and time. The novel’s captivating prose and vivid storytelling have garnered critical acclaim.
The winner of the International Booker Prize 2024 will be announced at a ceremony on May 21 at London’s Tate Modern, where the prestigious £50,000 prize will be awarded. The event will be livestreamed, allowing literary enthusiasts around the world to join in the celebration of international literature and translation.
Last year’s winners, Georgi Gospodinov and Angela Rodel, took home the coveted prize for their novel “Time Shelter.” As the literary world eagerly awaits the announcement of this year’s winner, anticipation and excitement continue to build among authors, translators, and readers alike.