The State of Wonder has finally come through from my reservation list after waiting for 5 weeks. I’m not sure if I have the will to read it and review it before the prize is announced.
These are my review for the following 5 books I have read so far.
- The Forgotten Waltz by Anne Enright
- The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
- Foreign Bodies by Cynthia Ozick
- Half Blood Blues by Esi Edugyan
- Painter of Silence by Georgina Harding
Experience shows none of us could accurately predict who will win but if any of these three win, number 1, 2 and 4 on my list, it would make me a happy woman. I think they are entertaining and deeply affecting read and the Orange Prize is the best thing in the world of literature since slice bread.
Having said that I read a sad and disappointing news about Orange Prize yesterday. The Orange Prize for women’s fiction has suffered a major setback after the mobile phone giant announced yesterday it would end its 17-year sponsorship.
But author Kate Mosse, the prize’s honorary director, said she was confident a new backer would be found and the prize would seize the moment to “go global”.
“The home of the prize is in the UK. But we would like to be able to grow the prize and take it into different international markets. Technology has made the world smaller. The idea of starting to talk to writers and readers all over the world feels quite exciting.” Ms Mosse said. Hmm.. I don’t quite get this, I thought Orange prize is international?
There are hopes of a new name and sponsor by September.
What will the prize be called in the future? Mango? Apple? Or Pear prize? We will just have to wait and see!
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I missed this news. I hope they get a sponsor and that they do not stop presenting these awards!
On a side note, if it becomes Apple awards, we already know who the sponsor is, lol! I would prefer a name that doesn’t involve the sponsor’s name – that’s about the worst way to name an award, though I can see how it can be appealing financially. (Or maybe award is fine. Like Orange Women Writers’ awards or something).
Posted by Athira | May 23, 2012, 11:55 amAths,
This is what happens when you name an award on the sponsor’s company name. When the company stops sponsoring it, the legacy is lost! I got to know 2 years ago that Man Booker Prize was sponsored by a very wealthy investment banking group called MAN!! I think naming it after a dead writers / poets / literary figure would be more appropriate. 🙂
Posted by JoV | May 23, 2012, 2:53 pmI do hope they find a new sponsor as I love the Orange prize. Over the years it has introduced me to so many wonderful books!
Posted by Sam (Tiny Library) | May 23, 2012, 7:47 pmSam,
I just follow the shortlist seriously 2 years ago and I’m with you in this that Orange prize has introduced me to many new female writers! Some of them are great!
Posted by JoV | May 23, 2012, 7:59 pmI hope that Enright or Edugyan scoop the prize, but it could be anyone this year. I’m not sure how well it will work once the prize is renamed, but I’ll keep my fingers crossed for a smooth transition.
Posted by Jackie Bailey (@farmlanebooks) | May 23, 2012, 9:00 pmJackie,
I hope so too! Enright or Edugyan is good for me. I’m anxious to know who will be the next sponsor!
Posted by JoV | May 23, 2012, 9:20 pmI certainly hope this is not the end of the Orange prize. I’ve met so many awesome writers through it…
Posted by Amritorupa Kanjilal | May 24, 2012, 5:13 amAmrit,
Didn’t care much about the prize until 2 years ago. I agree it’s been great to know so many awesome female writers from the prize!
Posted by JoV | May 24, 2012, 7:28 pm