The Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction 2021

    Hilary Mantel's The Mirror and the Light has this evening been announced winner of the 2021 Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction. 

    For a short video featuring the prize founder, the Duke of Buccleuch, and this year's shortlisted writers, click here.

Comments

[Erika W.]

Only a handful of writers are well known enough to be able to have a book published with a meaningless title! I have enormous trouble with her books. I plow gamely on with them but enjoy them less and less. She has become buried in a welter of words... Where is the Mantel of yesteryear with her lovely simplicity? I am about to re-read the autobiography of her young years to remind myself of what she can do.

[Cornflower]

An interesting observation, Erika. Speaking of her earlier works, have you read 'Fludd'? It remains my favourite.
Post here for anyone unfamiliar with it: https://www.cornflowerbooks.co.uk/2010/10/the-alchemist-.html

[Erika W.]

Yes indeed. I have read, and very much enjoyed, "Fludd". Thank you for reminding me of it. Now it is back, and near the top, for my re-reads.

To show you how impatient my mind is right now (in a period of several dental appointments and preparing for a shoulder replacement) I am re-reading John Grisham's small handful of books which are not concerned with the law. I am halfway through "Playing for Pizza"; easy froth and funny in parts.