It's almost time once again to announce the longlist for The Orange Prize. All discussion aside as to the prize's worthiness and all that, I always see it as a way to be introduced to potentially wonderful new authors and books. Thanks to Jackie for the heads up. I was interested to see her predictions for possible nominees for the prize. I've read two of them and have two more on hand and am thrilled to see new books by Margaret Forster and Joanne Harris. Now I can't wait to see the actual list the judges come up with.
You can also check out the longlist for the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize. I am happy to see Claudia Piñeiro's Thursday Night Widows on the list. I wrote about the book here. Most of the authors are new to me, but I do have Philippe Claudel's book on hand to read and look forward to checking out the others.
Oh, and I've discovered that Rufus Sewell will be playing the part of Aurelio Zen, Michael Dibdin's Italian sleuth, for the BBC. This almost makes up for the Inspector Lynley Mysteries being canceled! If you twist my arm, I will have to admit that Sewell is rather easy on the eyes and the combination of dark, brooding, good looks with an Italian setting, and oh well, swoon. I've read a Dibdin book, but it wasn't a Zen mystery. Guess what I'll be digging out in anticipation?
My to do list this weekend includes a library visit (time to switch out a few books) and hopefully I will be finishing John Galsworthy's The Man of Property sometime as well. It's been a wonderful read, totally living up to my expectations (surpassing them even). I'm going to take a little breather from the Forsytes and looks for another classic to read next, but I'll be starting the second book in the Saga soon!
Have a nice weekend everyone.