Well-known, established writer (and now four-time shortlister) Julian Barnes is likely the early favorite on the 2011 Booker shortlist, while Stephen Kelman and A.D. Miller make the list with their first novels. Alan Hollinghurst is probably the biggest surprise not to make it through to the next round. The longlist was offered here with some excerpts a month ago, but since you might not have gotten around to them then, we’ll offer the same with the shortlist below.
- The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes (excerpt)
- Jamrach’s Menagerie by Carol Birch (excerpt)
- The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt (excerpt)
- Half Blood Blues by Esi Edugyan
- Pigeon English by Stephen Kelman (excerpt)
- Snowdrops by A.D. Miller (Staff Pick)
Let us know if you’ve read any of these – and if you think any deserve to win.