Having finally posted my review of The Finkler Question, I see that it is time again for my feature “If I Gave the Award,” in which I evaluate the shortlist I have just read and say which book I think deserves the award.
The winning book for the 2010 Man Booker Prize was Howard Jacobson’s The Finkler Question, but if you read my review on Tuesday, you’ll know I’m not going to pick that one. I found most of the characters unbelievable, the humor not funny, the tone irritating, and the preoccupations of the characters kind of ridiculous. In fact, it was my least favorite of the shortlisted books.
I felt too much distance from the action and characters of C, by Tom McCarthy, to pick it. Similarly, I felt that the narrative style of The Long Song by Andrea Levy distances the reader from its characters.
Room by Emma Donoghue was a compelling read, so I can’t complain that I felt distanced by it. However, I don’t think it is in the same league as the other books. It employs an imaginative approach by narrating a difficult situation from the point of view of an innocent boy, but this approach is not always convincing, and it is essentially just a thriller. I almost feel that its selection on the short list was an effort to attract more readers to the prize by selecting a popular novel.
It has been a very long time since I read Parrot and Olivier in America by Peter Carey, but I still have fond memories of its sly humor. It is my second favorite of the nominated books.
So, we get to the novel that I think should have won the award, In a Strange Room by Damon Galgut. This book is not only beautifully written, but it is affecting and insightful in the behavior of its characters. Although it purposefully keeps some distance from the readers at times, I found it powerful and touching.
What? Me Read? 
I loved The Good Doctor by Damon Galgut but haven’t read this one. Great recommendation!
I haven’t read that one yet, just Arctic Summer, which I didn’t like as much.
Of those books, I have only read The Long Song and Room – I enjoyed both, but as I haven’t read the rest of the shortlist I don’t know whether I would prefer one of the others. I didn’t like Arctic Summer by Damon Galgut, but In a Strange Room sounds more appealing so maybe I’ll try it.
I didn’t like Arctic Summer either, so maybe you’ll like In a Strange Room.
Like The Finkler Question left me cold, but I’ve always been intrigued by Galgut – I have 2 of his books waiting patiently on my tbr pile.
I hope you like them. I liked one of his much better than another.
I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone say they liked The Finkler Question. But I’ve heard lots of praise for Galgut. I think you should be one of the judges!
Ha, ha, ha. Well, thanks!