The Man Booker International Prize shortlist

The Man Booker International Prize is given to translated books in order to, "encourage more publishing and reading of quality fiction in translation". To be eligible for the prize, the book has to be a work of fiction, translated into English and published in the UK. Both novels and collections of short stories are eligible. The prize just announced their 2019 longlist and the books are a good addition to any one’s reading list. The books are sourced from big and small publishers all over the world and the stories give insight into literature and lives from places other than ours. Here is the shortlist for 2019-



Photo: themanbookerprize.com

Translated from German by Jen Calleja and winner of the Berlin Prize for Literature, this book is surprisingly set in Japan! The story follows a man called Gilbert Silvester who travels to Tokyo with no forethought and then decides to go on a pilgrimage. He meets another pilgrim along the way and lessons they learn as they journey towards their destination makes for a profound read.

Photo: Serpent's Tail

This sadly beautiful book is about three children, though now grown up, who were greatly affected by all the violence they had to witness growing up. Set in Santiago, Chile we see how some things we witness affect us strongly. The book was translated from Chilean and Italian by Sophie Hughes.

Photo: And Other Stories

This novel is a personal narrative based on the period between 1941 to 2006. Annie Ernaux is a bestselling French author and this book is a dreamy musing memoir. It's narrated using memory, language, photos, songs, headlines and advertisements in a unique format that gives one a rounded view of how life goes on. This book was translated from French by Alison L. Strayer

Photo: Fitzcarraldo Editions

Based in the village of al-Awafi in Oman, this book narrates the story of three sisters whose life and marriage decisions take them down different paths through a changing Oman. Through their lives we see Oman gradually shed its colonial past. The book was translated from Omani by Marilyn Booth.

Photo: Sandstone Press Ltd

Translated from Colombian by Anne McLean, this book looks at assassinations, obsessive behaviour and conspiracy theories through two political assassinations from Columbia’s history.

Photo: MacLehose Press

Olga Tokarczuk won the Man Booker International prize in 2018, for her book 'Flights' which was translated by Jennifer Croft. 'Drive Your Plow Over The Bones Of The Dead' is an interesting murder mystery. The protagonist is a recluse but when her neighbour dies, she's determined to investigate. The book beautifully explores madness and justice. It was translated from Polish by Antonia Lloyd-Jones.

Photo: Fitzcarraldo Editions