The Ashcroft Arts Centre readers meet in Fareham, Hampshire on the first Tuesday of each month. We’ve been thriving since 2007, a group of ten women ranging in age between late thirties to seventies. We were delighted to be one of the groups shadowing the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize 2010 shortlist.
We received multiple copies of four of the titles – these were distributed at our May meeting. We were invited to choose the books that appealed most to us from the generous box of stock, although the majority of the group took away all four to provide them with more choice over the coming month. One of the group managed to read all four, most read two.
Here’s a summary of our reflections ~
Nearly all had been drawn to Philippe Claudel’s _Brodeck’s Report_ and it became the title that received the most glowing praise – although we had to agree that the cover did not entice, mainly the manageable size in comparison to a couple of the other texts. It was described as a very different kind of read, very unsettling and thought-provoking. One reader found it upsetting to discuss, with its graphic portrayal of man’s inhumanity, and the book had affected her in a way that very few novels ever had. What was agreed upon was the beauty of the writing and translation, there were passages that the reader really needed to pause after to fully savour. Some of these were shared aloud in the group. We had just one dissenter who hadn’t got on with the style or story at all, and couldn’t quite comprehend why the rest of us were so impressed.
Blind Side of the Heart by Julia Franck had also appealed widely. What then proved frustrating was the copy on the inside flap that basically outlined the complete plot, with massive spoilers. It was very off-putting and really impacted on the reading experience. The Prologue was very powerful and many felt that they would certainly find this a fulfilling read, but for the majority the writing became inconsistent. It was heavy-handed in places, such as the philosophical dialogue between Helene and Carl, but then had passages of brilliance, such as the sisters nursing their father. It led to a discussion about similar books the group had read, covering this period in history, and discussing their merits in contrast.
Dark Side of Love by Rafik Schami was indeed of epic length, only completed by three of the group. The setting and time span really appealed to these readers, who agreed that the best thing about the month’s selection of books was learning about countries and cultures through the eyes and words of resident writers. One reader was a huge fan of this book, found it so lively and enthralling. The others were not so moved, it did not evoke their empathy, and they found it very samey and over-long. The fan must have been most convincing as another member took the book back away to read it.
Broken Glass by Alain Manbanckou received the most resounding ‘No, not for me’ response. Perhaps we weren’t the target audience for this writing, we deduced. Many couldn’t get past the punctuation, long rambling sentences, and its lack of structure – a personal taste. The book wasn’t enjoyed by any of the group that had read it – many gave up along the way, one put off by the sexual references. Although there were moments that raised a laugh, and many of the literary and classical references were enjoyed.
The general discussion was lively, it led us onto thinking about the books in translation we’d shared together over the last few years, and the insights these provided. We bemoaned the fact that Brodeck’s Report and others on the list couldn’t be seen in the Waterstone’s window displays to reach a wider readership, and agreed we’d we waiting to see next year’s entries with eagerness.
We were delighted to then learn that the judges had agreed with us, as Brodeck’s Report triumphed, and both writer and translator were awarded the Prize.
The Independent Foreign Fiction Prize celebrates the best contemporary work of fiction in translation published in the UK. The prize is unique in its acknowledgement of both the winning author and the translator, who both receive £5,000.
If your reading group or book club has shadowed a Prize do get in touch as we would love to hear how it went for you.
