Independent Booksellers' Prize 2009

The 2009 Independent Booksellers' Prize shortlist allowed for voting in independent bookshops around the UK. It was a strong shortlist, with a richly-deserved winner. Here's what Bookbag thought of them. Why not tell us about your favourites too? (Although we've got links to Amazon as with all our lists, we really would rather you went out and supported your local bookshop instead of buying online this time! Tell them Bookbag sent you!)

The Winner

Review of

The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry

Literary Fiction

Barry's latest Booker-shortlisted, Costa-nominated novel explores the human impact of Ireland's troubled 20th century history. A very, very good book indeed, beautifully written from start to finish. It is, however, let down by a surprisingly poor ending - but is a recommended read nevertheless. Full Review

The Shortlist

Review of

Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith

Crime

Leo is a hero after World War 2 and a successful agent in the MGB; a man unquestioningly loyal to his mother Russia, despite having to do questionable duties, until he discovers a mistake in the system and is powerless to do anything. A flawed but engaging detective thriller, which will almost certainly make a great movie. Full Review

Review of

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

General Fiction

An entertaining and moving study of love, friendship and literature against the backdrop of the German Occupation of the Channel Islands. Full Review

Review of

Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain by Oliver Sacks

Popular Science

A look by Oliver Sacks, physician and neurologist, at the powers of music through the individual experiences of patients, musicians and everyday people, largely through a series of individual case histories. Full Review

Review of

Somewhere Towards the End by Diana Athill

Autobiography

A memoir of the writer and former book reviewer, reflecting on approaching death as well as random thoughts, episodes, likes and dislikes from her ninety years. Full Review

Review of

Spilling the Beans by Clarissa Dickson Wright

Autobiography

Not just reminiscences about Two Fat Ladies but a story of a life not always lived wisely but always lived to the full. Highly recommended. Full Review

Review of

The Suspicions of Mr Whicher by Kate Summerscale

Historical Fiction

On the night of 29th June 1860 a three year old boy, Saville Kent, had his throat slashed and his body stuffed into a privy in the grounds of Road Hill House, Wiltshire. True crime told as a gripping story. Highly recommended. Full Review

Review of

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

General Fiction

Purple prose over vivid description, soap opera over genuine emotional depth. Bookbag didn't enjoy this any more than it enjoyed its predecessor, The Kite Runner. Its weighty setting belies what is in actuality, a pleasant but incredibly light and schmaltzy plot-driven read. Full Review