The main complaint is, as always, the fact that there are only three shortlisted titles in both fiction and and poetry categories whereas there are TWO non-fiction categories both with five shortlisted titles. This means there are 10 shortlisted non-fiction titles compared to a miserly three each for fiction, and poetry.
This in turn, and this year is a prize example, can lead to especially fine titles missing out.
But in any case where is the justice? 10 non fiction titles as opposed to three fiction. Bah humbug I say.
I must say though it was a thrill to read the chair of the judging panel, Chris Bourke (left), weighing in on the subject:
“Having all the categories restored to five finalists would more accurately represent the quality and breadth of New Zealand’s writing,” said Mr Bourke.
“The same diversity is present in the fiction and poetry - and should be reflected in the shortlists.”
Very disappointing too to observe the lack of media coverage of the shortlist announcement.
One comment received by The Bookman yesterday made this suggestion:
I think part of the problem is that the Awards have crept later in the year, so there's a big gap between the closing date and the Awards being announced. I bought my copy of the Trouble with Fire remaindered in W/coulls Queensgate in April!
There is to be a full review of this Awards programme according to awards chair Sam Elworthy so hopefully the organisers will look at the issue of timing as well as the vexed question of there only being 3 short listed fiction and poetry titles.
The last review didn't achieve a helluva lot so lets hope that this time those concerned go into their meeting with an open mind and pay attention to the widespread criticism of the present arrangements.
Be sure to have your say by writing to the organisers C/- Booksellers NZ or by expressing your opinion here on the blog.
3 comments:
Congratulations to the fiction finalists absolutely - but yes, I was very surprised not to see 'The Larnachs' on the list (I haven't read 'The Conductor', so can't comment).
Thank you for your piece this morning on the rattle bag that is the Book Awards. While not agreeing with all (or even most) of their choices, I have sympathy for the judges' position given the inequitable brief they received. The imbalance in category numbers was, of course, criticised well before this year's selections were made so Sam Elworthy's assurance of a review begs a rather large question.
You are in danger of becoming a bore on this topic Bookman.
Ten non fiction titles and six poetry and fiction titles shortlisted.And you ask where is the justice and I agree.
Considering that in any year there are 5 times as many non fiction titles published in NZ as poetry and fiction means that non fiction is seriously under represented.
But these numbers of course don't suit your argument so you ignore them!
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