Anyway, my 2 cents worth about The Gathering not being shortlisted. I was totally blown away by the book. Best book I’ve read in eons. But I’m not surprised that its not everyone’s cup of tea. It can be challenging, in parts deeply discomforting, even irritating. Because Veronica is an angry woman, and doesn’t mince her words, and makes a habit of running roughshod over taboos (which I lapped up gleefully!).

My guess is that The Orange Prize Jury didn’t find the book “accessible” enough, one of their stated criteria.

Re Susan’s speculation that the Jury might have thought one dysfunctional family saga was enough(whah?): I’ve also read When We Were Bad and found it entertaining, but it certainly doesn’t have the depth or complexity of The Gathering.

More accessible/populist/easily digested perhaps…[grin]

Yes, the jury does make a difference. I know Lily Allen has dropped out, and I’m not having a go at her, but I can’t imagine her “getting” The Gathering.

And lastly, can the NEED or lack therof of a higher profile ever be the criteria for selection of a book prize? Just asking. Hmmm…

Kimbofo, I think each jury will have a different modus operandi, to account for their different tastes, opinions etc. Some may let each juror pick a favourite each, then compromise on the rest. Some jurors may be happy to have just their one fave book on the list and may not care too much who else is on it.

It’s hard to generalise because, naturally, each jury will come up with its own way to deal with the problems. I know of one jury where one of the jurors HATED one of the shortlisted books, but he was over-ruled by the others. It’s hard!