*****
A Man in Love by Karl Ove Knausgaard - Harvill Secker
(translated by Don Bartlett)
What's it all about?
Well, him, obviously.
This is the second part of Knausgaard's strangely gripping six-part descent into self observation, this time focusing on the start of his relationship with his second wife, Linda. Knausi analyses his life in such detail that the reader feels they are right there with him, whether he is taking the children to daycare, having a drink with a friend or, erm, going to the toilet.
I'm joking. Possibly.
Does it deserve to make the shortlist?
I'm tempted to say yes to this one. Despite all the comparisons, there isn't much Proustian about the Norwegian writer's work, but it is compelling, and this second instalment of his work is, in my eyes, a lot more consistent than A Death in the Family. People seem to like Knausgaard's books despite themselves, so this latest set of descriptions of mundane activities could well be set to enliven(?) the shortlist.
Will it make the shortlist?
Probably. Knausgaard's work just has that feel about it, as if it needs to be celebrated and showered with prizes and accolades, and I'm confident that he'll move a step further towards that this year. However, I will raise one small potential obstacle. For a thirty-something frustrated scribbler like yours truly, the writer's rants about the lot of the modern man ring very true. I just wonder whether the women on the panel will be as sympathetic to Knausi's chauvinistic whinging...
*****
The Infatuations by Javier Marías - Hamish Hamilton
(translated by Margaret Jull Costa)
María has a nodding acquaintance with a couple in a café, and after the husband's death, she visits the grieving widow and meets a family friend. A relationship soon develops; however, it's not one that's got the feel of happily ever after - especially when María starts to sense that the unfortunate death may not have been quite so unfortunate after all...
Does it deserve to make the shortlist?
I enjoyed The Infatuations immensely, but I'm not convinced that it'll end up in my top six. It didn't quite match up to my first Marías (A Heart so White), and there was one part in particular where the story dragged a little too much. Still, it's a wonderful story with beautiful, elegant writing, a credit to both Marías and Jull Costa.
I'm sitting on the fence a little here.
Will it make the shortlist?
Yes. Top-class writer, top-class translator - just what the shortlist needs. Cynical, moi?
*****
That's the second part of my wrap-up done and dusted then - stay tuned for the third of my reviews when I'll discuss the final three books of my magnificent seven :)
