Difference between revisions of "Costa Prize 2010"

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__NOTOC__
 
__NOTOC__
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{{adsense4}}
 
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<br>
 
 
'''WINNER'''
 
'''WINNER'''
  
−
{{topten
+
''Of Mutability'' by Jo Shapcott
−
|author=Jo Shapcott
 
−
|title=Of Mutability
 
−
|rating=Unreviewed
 
−
|genre=Literary Fiction
 
−
|summary=Unfortunately we don't have a review of this book.  The judges said ''These strong poems are rooted in the poet's experience of breast cancer but are all about life, hope and play. Fizzing with variety, they are a paean to creativity and make the reader feel that what matters to us all is imagination, humanity and a smile.''
 
−
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0571254713</amazonuk>
 
−
}}
 
  
 
'''The Shortlists'''
 
'''The Shortlists'''
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'''Costa First Novel Award'''
 
'''Costa First Novel Award'''
  
−
'''Winner''
+
'''Winner'''
  
−
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|author=Kishwar Desai
 
|author=Kishwar Desai
 
|title=Witness the Night
 
|title=Witness the Night
Line 26: Line 16:
 
|genre=General Fiction
 
|genre=General Fiction
 
|summary=An interesting insight into women's issues in India clumsily forced into a severely disappointing narrative.  The judges thought differently - they said ''We were thrilled and exhilarated by this stunning debut. Just like her feisty main character, Desai has fearlessly blown the lid on the problems that simmer under the surface of modern- day India''
 
|summary=An interesting insight into women's issues in India clumsily forced into a severely disappointing narrative.  The judges thought differently - they said ''We were thrilled and exhilarated by this stunning debut. Just like her feisty main character, Desai has fearlessly blown the lid on the problems that simmer under the surface of modern- day India''
−
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1905636857</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=1905636857
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
'''Other Books On The Shortlist'''
 
'''Other Books On The Shortlist'''
  
−
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|author=Nikesh Shukla
 
|author=Nikesh Shukla
 
|title=Coconut Unlimited
 
|title=Coconut Unlimited
−
|rating=Unreviewed
+
|rating=4.5
−
|genre=Literary Fiction
+
|genre=General Fiction
−
|summary=Unfortunately we don't have a review of this book at the moment.
+
|summary=Our reviewer has just about lived the story - and he can tell you how good it is.
−
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0704372045</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=0704372045
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|author=Aatish Taseer
 
|author=Aatish Taseer
 
|title=The Temple-Goers
 
|title=The Temple-Goers
Line 46: Line 36:
 
|genre=Literary Fiction
 
|genre=Literary Fiction
 
|summary=A harsh portrait of a modern India that is short on sentiment and heavy on ambition.  
 
|summary=A harsh portrait of a modern India that is short on sentiment and heavy on ambition.  
−
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0670918504</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=0670918504
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|author=Simon Thirsk
 
|author=Simon Thirsk
 
|title=Not Quite White
 
|title=Not Quite White
Line 55: Line 45:
 
|genre=Literary Fiction
 
|genre=Literary Fiction
 
|summary=An intelligent, in-depth look at Anglo-Welsh relations in modern fictional times.  A young, idealistic Englishman is given the unenviable remit by Westminster to 'sort out' a small community in Wales and drag it kicking and screaming into the 21st Century - but is he up to this mammoth challenge?
 
|summary=An intelligent, in-depth look at Anglo-Welsh relations in modern fictional times.  A young, idealistic Englishman is given the unenviable remit by Westminster to 'sort out' a small community in Wales and drag it kicking and screaming into the 21st Century - but is he up to this mammoth challenge?
−
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>184851199X</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=184851199X
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 62: Line 52:
 
''Winner''
 
''Winner''
  
−
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|author=Maggie O'Farrell
 
|author=Maggie O'Farrell
 
|title=The Hand That First Held Mine
 
|title=The Hand That First Held Mine
Line 68: Line 58:
 
|genre=Literary Fiction
 
|genre=Literary Fiction
 
|summary=Two women come to London as adults, some fifty years apart - one from rural Devon, the other from Finland, yet there is a connection between them whih neither could have imagined.  An exquisite story of love in all its forms - highly recommended.  The judges said: ''A book of grand themes and intimate moments.  This gripping novel is the one we'd unreservedly recommend''  
 
|summary=Two women come to London as adults, some fifty years apart - one from rural Devon, the other from Finland, yet there is a connection between them whih neither could have imagined.  An exquisite story of love in all its forms - highly recommended.  The judges said: ''A book of grand themes and intimate moments.  This gripping novel is the one we'd unreservedly recommend''  
−
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>075530845X</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=075530845X
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
'''Other Books On The Shortlist'''
 
'''Other Books On The Shortlist'''
  
−
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|author=Louise Doughty
 
|author=Louise Doughty
 
|title=Whatever You Love
 
|title=Whatever You Love
Line 79: Line 69:
 
|genre=Literary Fiction
 
|genre=Literary Fiction
 
|summary= Laura plans revenge after losing her 9 year old daughter in an accident, in a beautifully written and utterly compelling novel.  
 
|summary= Laura plans revenge after losing her 9 year old daughter in an accident, in a beautifully written and utterly compelling novel.  
−
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0571254756</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=0571254756
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|author=Nigel Farndale
 
|author=Nigel Farndale
 
|title=The Blasphemer
 
|title=The Blasphemer
Line 88: Line 78:
 
|genre=Literary Fiction
 
|genre=Literary Fiction
 
|summary=Militant atheism takes on angelic visions in this wide-ranging book with a parallel narrative that takes us from the trenches of WWI to today's War on Terror. Bookbag loved the general idea and the quality of the writing, but failed to engage with any of the characters and found it rather cluttered.  
 
|summary=Militant atheism takes on angelic visions in this wide-ranging book with a parallel narrative that takes us from the trenches of WWI to today's War on Terror. Bookbag loved the general idea and the quality of the writing, but failed to engage with any of the characters and found it rather cluttered.  
−
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0552776173</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=0552776173
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|author=Paul Murray
 
|author=Paul Murray
 
|title=Skippy Dies
 
|title=Skippy Dies
Line 97: Line 87:
 
|genre=Literary Fiction
 
|genre=Literary Fiction
 
|summary=Life and death in and around an Irish private school, in this all-encompassing brick of a novel, which does resolve into an enjoyable plot.
 
|summary=Life and death in and around an Irish private school, in this all-encompassing brick of a novel, which does resolve into an enjoyable plot.
−
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0241141826</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=0241141826
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
'''Costa Poetry Award'''
 
'''Costa Poetry Award'''
 +
 +
We don't review poetry, but these were the runners and riders:
  
 
'''Winner'''
 
'''Winner'''
  
−
{{topten
+
''Of Mutability'' by Jo Shapcott
−
|author=Jo Shapcott
 
−
|title=Of Mutability
 
−
|rating=Unreviewed
 
−
|genre=Literary Fiction
 
−
|summary=Unfortunately we don't have a review of this book.  The judges said ''These strong poems are rooted in the poet's experience of breast cancer but are all about life, hope and play. Fizzing with variety, they are a paean to creativity and make the reader feel that what matters to us all is imagination, humanity and a smile.''
 
−
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0571254713</amazonuk>
 
−
}}
 
  
 
'''Other Books on the Shortlist'''
 
'''Other Books on the Shortlist'''
  
−
{{topten
+
''Standard Midland'' by Roy Fisher
−
|author=Roy Fisher
 
−
|title=Standard Midland
 
−
|rating=Unreviewed
 
−
|summary=Unfortunately we don't have a review of this book.
 
−
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>185224870X</amazonuk>
 
−
}}
 
  
−
{{topten
+
''The Wrecking of Light'' by Robin Robertson
−
|author=Robin Robertson
 
−
|title=The Wrecking of Light
 
−
|rating=Unreviewed
 
−
|summary=Unfortunately we don't have a review of this book.
 
−
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0330515489</amazonuk>
 
−
}}
 
  
−
{{topten
+
''New Light for the Old Dark'' by Sam Willetts
−
|author=Sam Willetts
 
−
|title=New Light for the Old Dark
 
−
|rating=Unreviewed
 
−
|summary=Unfortunately we don't have a review of this book.
 
−
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0224089188</amazonuk>
 
−
}}
 
  
 
'''Costa Biography Award'''
 
'''Costa Biography Award'''
Line 143: Line 110:
 
'''Winner'''
 
'''Winner'''
  
−
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|author=Edmund de Waal
 
|author=Edmund de Waal
 
|title=The Hare With Amber Eyes: A Hidden Inheritance
 
|title=The Hare With Amber Eyes: A Hidden Inheritance
Line 149: Line 116:
 
|genre=Biography
 
|genre=Biography
 
|summary= The judges said: A truly special book.  De Waal is a first-class potter and has proven himself with this book to be a first-class writer - he's able to handle a very serious subject with a delicacy, charm and touch that is rare
 
|summary= The judges said: A truly special book.  De Waal is a first-class potter and has proven himself with this book to be a first-class writer - he's able to handle a very serious subject with a delicacy, charm and touch that is rare
−
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0099539551</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=0099539551
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
'''Other Books On The Shortlist'''
 
'''Other Books On The Shortlist'''
  
−
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|author=Sarah Bakewell
 
|author=Sarah Bakewell
 
|title=How to Live: A Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer
 
|title=How to Live: A Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer
Line 160: Line 127:
 
|genre=Biography
 
|genre=Biography
 
|summary=Every bit as good as its quirky title suggests, Montaigne's ideas are still relevant half a millennium later. A must-read for those with existential angst or pretensions to erudition.  
 
|summary=Every bit as good as its quirky title suggests, Montaigne's ideas are still relevant half a millennium later. A must-read for those with existential angst or pretensions to erudition.  
−
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0701177942</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=0701178922
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|author=Michael Frayn
 
|author=Michael Frayn
 
|title=My Father's Fortune: A Life
 
|title=My Father's Fortune: A Life
Line 169: Line 136:
 
|genre=Biography
 
|genre=Biography
 
|summary=A wonderful book which will have you laughing and crying.
 
|summary=A wonderful book which will have you laughing and crying.
−
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0571270581</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=0571270581
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 176: Line 143:
 
'''The Winner'''
 
'''The Winner'''
  
−
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|author=Jason Wallace
 
|author=Jason Wallace
 
|title=Out of Shadows
 
|title=Out of Shadows
Line 182: Line 149:
 
|genre=Teens
 
|genre=Teens
 
|summary=Gorgeous coming-of-age novel set in Zimbabwe in a time of political upheaval. Both compelling and thought-provoking, it'll stay with them long after they've finished reading. The judges said: For us, this extraordinary debut novel was a unanimous winner. This compelling portrayal of a nation in crisis gripped us from start to finish and has stayed with us since.
 
|summary=Gorgeous coming-of-age novel set in Zimbabwe in a time of political upheaval. Both compelling and thought-provoking, it'll stay with them long after they've finished reading. The judges said: For us, this extraordinary debut novel was a unanimous winner. This compelling portrayal of a nation in crisis gripped us from start to finish and has stayed with us since.
−
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1849390487</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=0099575264
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
'''Other Books On The Shortlist'''
 
'''Other Books On The Shortlist'''
  
−
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|author=Lucy Christopher
 
|author=Lucy Christopher
 
|title=Flyaway
 
|title=Flyaway
Line 193: Line 160:
 
|genre=Confident Readers
 
|genre=Confident Readers
 
|summary=Isla and her father love to watch the wild swans arrive, but this year things are different. Isla's father is seriously ill, and after a terrible accident one of the youngest swans forgets how to fly. Isla puts her energies into teaching the swan, convinced that somehow this will help her father pull through.  
 
|summary=Isla and her father love to watch the wild swans arrive, but this year things are different. Isla's father is seriously ill, and after a terrible accident one of the youngest swans forgets how to fly. Isla puts her energies into teaching the swan, convinced that somehow this will help her father pull through.  
−
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1848873557</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=1848873557
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|author=Sharon Dogar
 
|author=Sharon Dogar
 
|title=Annexed
 
|title=Annexed
Line 202: Line 169:
 
|genre=Teens
 
|genre=Teens
 
|summary=How was it for Peter? Sharon Dogar imagines life for Peter van Pels in the Amsterdam annexe with Anne Frank during WWII. There's been some controversy about this book, but Bookbag thought it was an intimate, thoughtful and absorbing novel.  
 
|summary=How was it for Peter? Sharon Dogar imagines life for Peter van Pels in the Amsterdam annexe with Anne Frank during WWII. There's been some controversy about this book, but Bookbag thought it was an intimate, thoughtful and absorbing novel.  
−
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1849391246</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=1849391181
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|author=Jonathan Stroud
 
|author=Jonathan Stroud
 
|title=The Ring of Solomon (Bartimaeus)
 
|title=The Ring of Solomon (Bartimaeus)
Line 211: Line 178:
 
|genre=Teens
 
|genre=Teens
 
|summary=Prequel to Stroud's tremendously popular Bartimaeus trilogy. There's more magic and magicians this time and the setting is ancient and mythologised, far from London. Lots of twists and turns too. Fans are going to love it. Bookbag did.  
 
|summary=Prequel to Stroud's tremendously popular Bartimaeus trilogy. There's more magic and magicians this time and the setting is ancient and mythologised, far from London. Lots of twists and turns too. Fans are going to love it. Bookbag did.  
−
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1848873557</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=1848873557
 
}}
 
}}
  

Latest revision as of 11:46, 31 January 2024

WINNER

Of Mutability by Jo Shapcott

The Shortlists

Costa First Novel Award

Winner

1905636857.jpg

Review of

Witness the Night by Kishwar Desai

2.5star.jpg General Fiction

An interesting insight into women's issues in India clumsily forced into a severely disappointing narrative. The judges thought differently - they said We were thrilled and exhilarated by this stunning debut. Just like her feisty main character, Desai has fearlessly blown the lid on the problems that simmer under the surface of modern- day India Full Review

Other Books On The Shortlist

0704372045.jpg

Review of

Coconut Unlimited by Nikesh Shukla

4.5star.jpg General Fiction

Our reviewer has just about lived the story - and he can tell you how good it is. Full Review

0670918504.jpg

Review of

The Temple-Goers by Aatish Taseer

3star.jpg Literary Fiction

A harsh portrait of a modern India that is short on sentiment and heavy on ambition. Full Review

184851199X.jpg

Review of

Not Quite White by Simon Thirsk

4.5star.jpg Literary Fiction

An intelligent, in-depth look at Anglo-Welsh relations in modern fictional times. A young, idealistic Englishman is given the unenviable remit by Westminster to 'sort out' a small community in Wales and drag it kicking and screaming into the 21st Century - but is he up to this mammoth challenge? Full Review

Costa Novel Award

Winner

075530845X.jpg

Review of

The Hand That First Held Mine by Maggie O'Farrell

5star.jpg Literary Fiction

Two women come to London as adults, some fifty years apart - one from rural Devon, the other from Finland, yet there is a connection between them whih neither could have imagined. An exquisite story of love in all its forms - highly recommended. The judges said: A book of grand themes and intimate moments. This gripping novel is the one we'd unreservedly recommend Full Review

Other Books On The Shortlist

0571254756.jpg

Review of

Whatever You Love by Louise Doughty

4.5star.jpg Literary Fiction

Laura plans revenge after losing her 9 year old daughter in an accident, in a beautifully written and utterly compelling novel. Full Review

0552776173.jpg

Review of

The Blasphemer by Nigel Farndale

3.5star.jpg Literary Fiction

Militant atheism takes on angelic visions in this wide-ranging book with a parallel narrative that takes us from the trenches of WWI to today's War on Terror. Bookbag loved the general idea and the quality of the writing, but failed to engage with any of the characters and found it rather cluttered. Full Review

0241141826.jpg

Review of

Skippy Dies by Paul Murray

3.5star.jpg Literary Fiction

Life and death in and around an Irish private school, in this all-encompassing brick of a novel, which does resolve into an enjoyable plot. Full Review

Costa Poetry Award

We don't review poetry, but these were the runners and riders:

Winner

Of Mutability by Jo Shapcott

Other Books on the Shortlist

Standard Midland by Roy Fisher

The Wrecking of Light by Robin Robertson

New Light for the Old Dark by Sam Willetts

Costa Biography Award

Winner

0099539551.jpg

Review of

The Hare With Amber Eyes: A Hidden Inheritance by Edmund de Waal

5star.jpg Biography

The judges said: A truly special book. De Waal is a first-class potter and has proven himself with this book to be a first-class writer - he's able to handle a very serious subject with a delicacy, charm and touch that is rare Full Review

Other Books On The Shortlist

0701178922.jpg

Review of

How to Live: A Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer by Sarah Bakewell

5star.jpg Biography

Every bit as good as its quirky title suggests, Montaigne's ideas are still relevant half a millennium later. A must-read for those with existential angst or pretensions to erudition. Full Review

0571270581.jpg

Review of

My Father's Fortune: A Life by Michael Frayn

5star.jpg Biography

A wonderful book which will have you laughing and crying. Full Review

Costa Children's Book Award

The Winner

0099575264.jpg

Review of

Out of Shadows by Jason Wallace

5star.jpg Teens

Gorgeous coming-of-age novel set in Zimbabwe in a time of political upheaval. Both compelling and thought-provoking, it'll stay with them long after they've finished reading. The judges said: For us, this extraordinary debut novel was a unanimous winner. This compelling portrayal of a nation in crisis gripped us from start to finish and has stayed with us since. Full Review

Other Books On The Shortlist

1848873557.jpg

Review of

Flyaway by Lucy Christopher

5star.jpg Confident Readers

Isla and her father love to watch the wild swans arrive, but this year things are different. Isla's father is seriously ill, and after a terrible accident one of the youngest swans forgets how to fly. Isla puts her energies into teaching the swan, convinced that somehow this will help her father pull through. Full Review

1849391181.jpg

Review of

Annexed by Sharon Dogar

4star.jpg Teens

How was it for Peter? Sharon Dogar imagines life for Peter van Pels in the Amsterdam annexe with Anne Frank during WWII. There's been some controversy about this book, but Bookbag thought it was an intimate, thoughtful and absorbing novel. Full Review

1848873557.jpg

Review of

The Ring of Solomon (Bartimaeus) by Jonathan Stroud

4.5star.jpg Teens

Prequel to Stroud's tremendously popular Bartimaeus trilogy. There's more magic and magicians this time and the setting is ancient and mythologised, far from London. Lots of twists and turns too. Fans are going to love it. Bookbag did. Full Review

Bookfeatures.jpg Check out Bookbag's exciting features section, with interviews, top tens and editorials.

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