From that incredibly long longlist the IMPAC has announced the shortlist of eight titles. The winner will be announced on June 17.
- Zoe Heller: The Believers
- Muriel Barbery: The Elegance of the Hedgehog
- Ross Raisin: God’s Own Country
- Marilynne Robinson: Home
- Robert Edric: In Zodiac Light
- Joseph O’Neill: Netherland
- Christoph Hein: Settlement
- Gerbrand Bakker: The Twin
I’ve only read two (better than last year): Netherland [1] and The Twin [2]. Both are excellent books. Long-time readers will remember how much I rooted for Netherland to win more 2008 literary awards. I have The Elegance of the Hedgehog and Home sitting on the shelf, always just about to be read.

