Sarah Bernstein’s absurd novel was shortlisted for the Booker Prize

The absurd novel “Study for Obedience” by Canadian writer Sarah Bernstein has been nominated for the prestigious Booker Prize.

It is one of six finalists for the 50,000 pound ($82,000) prize, which goes to the book chosen as the best work of fiction written in English and published in Britain and Ireland.

“Study for Obedience,” first published by Granta Books in the U.K. and released in this country last month by Penguin Random House Canada, explores ideas about prejudice, power dynamics and the power of history to shape people through a woman’s perspective that hers Brother’s becomes housekeeper.

His Canadian compatriot Esi Edugyan, who is chairing the Booker jury this year, announced this on Thursday.

“Bernstein’s haunting, beautiful prose exceeds all of our expectations and what emerges is a meditation on survival itself,” said Edugyan, who was shortlisted for the Booker twice, first in 2011 and again in 2018.

Bernstein, who was born in Montreal and now lives in Scotland, also made the long list for the $100,000 Scotiabank Giller Prize. The shortlist for this award will be announced on October 11th and the award will be presented on November 13th.

“Study for Obedience” is Bernstein’s second novel.

Also shortlisted for the booker are “If I Survive You” by Jonathan Escoffery, “This Other Eden” by Paul Harding, “Prophet Song” by Paul Lynch, “Western Lane” by Chetna Maroo and “The Bee Sting” by Paul Murray.

The Booker Prize will be awarded on November 26th.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 21, 2023.