Downpatrick Library is staging its popular Booker Prize night on Tuesday 14 October.  Beginning at 8pm, on the same night that the world’s most famous literary prize is presented in full view of the world’s media, Downpatrick residents will have the rare opportunity to hear some of the country’s brightest literary commentators expound on their personal favourites from the Booker shortlist.

Valerie McMullan, branch library manager of Downpatrick Library is looking forward to an evening of sparkling book talk:

Downpatrick Library’s Booker Night is one of the highlights of the library year. This is the fourth time we have held the event, and each year we have seen audience numbers grow. Last year over 70 enjoyed a spirited panel debate on the merits of the contenders. It was great to see book enthusiasts expressing such diverse and strongly held opinions

At the conclusion of the evening the thoughts of the local experts will be matched against the adjudication of the Booker panel proper, as the library will screen the televised deliberations and decision of the national judges.

The Downpatrick panel is Cahal Dallat, poet, writer and reviewer; Grania McFadden, book reviewer and drama critic for the Belfast Telegraph; Maureen Boyle, writer, and fiction buyer for the Bookshop at Queen’s and Seamus Camplisson, Head of the Creativity Unit of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure.

Geraldine Duffin, Senior Stock Librarian, who is responsible for buying the library service’s books, will double as master of ceremonies for the evening. Geraldine recalls last year’s event:

Last year’s Booker evening was a resounding success.  A packed house heard a discerning and lively panel give their views and pick their winners from the shortlist.  We then played back the televised proceedings on the big screen.  The 2002 winner, The Life of Pi by Yann Martel, was the choice of only one of the Downpatrick panel.  This year we have again assembled a superb panel; the audience are in for a literary treat.

The six shortlisted books, chosen from a longlist of 23 titles are:  Monica Ali Brick Lane; Margaret Atwood Oryx and Crake; Damon Galgut The good doctor; Zoë Heller Notes on a scandal; Clare Morrall Astonishing splashes of colour and DBC Pierre Vernon God little. Chairman of the judging panel Professor Peter Carey describes the contest as ‘giant killers’ year’ referring to the inclusion of three first novels and only one big name (Margaret Atwood).

The bookies’ early favourites for the prestigious award, worth £50,000, are Margaret Attwood and Monica Ali.

Margaret Atwood                       Monica Ali        

Everyone is welcome at the evening; admission is free and refreshments, sponsored by Safeway, will be available.