That’s kind of you! It was a real pleasure.

That quote is from my piece, I hasten to clarify! But the judges alas say something similar …

I thought it would be Miller, too. The Szalay is a flawless surface, though.

Haha! Phrase-making for the ages, clearly.

In fact, unshocking!

Yeah, so we have the same final two! Let’s see what happens in 30 minutes …

Audition is definitely the book on the list that will encourage the strongest partisanship one way or the other. I agree that all the books have *something* to commend them, although I also find it hard to be passionate about them.

Do you have a preferred winner?

Thanks, Gav - glad you found the post helpful!

Good luck with it!

You might like the Szalay. It’s not *short* like a Hemingway, but it’s certainly direct.

As I say to m’learned Mondyboy elsethread, Flesh works for me - its effect is extremely evenly applied, no? Like a master plasterer skimming a wall, a flawless consistency. It also draws attention to its technique (Miller is quieter), so I can see your logic.

On BM: I love Either Side of Winter.

Audition stans unite!

Yep, Flesh works - or let me say, Szalay is a master of his schtick, he reads engagingly. I just think it’s also a bit limited. And as I say Flashlight seems to me, too, the most obvious failure on the list; but if the basics of the “mystery” are clear, the details struck me.

Yeah, I know several folks for whom Orbital just didn’t work. I can see why, though I’m duty-bound to confess it was my pick last year! (I’m sure I’m being wiser this year etc)

That’s kind of you to say - thanks!

Yeah, double dang.