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Julian Barnes, Carol Birch, Patrick deWitt, Esi Edugyan, Stephen Kelman and A.D. Miller are today, Tuesday 6 September, announced as the six shortlisted authors for the 2011 Man Booker Prize for Fiction.

The judges’ selection includes two first time novelists – Stephen Kelman and A.D. Miller – while four of the books are from independent publishers. Of the six writers, two have enjoyed success with the prize in the past. Julian Barnes has been shortlisted three times for Arthur and George (2005), England, England (1998) and Flaubert’s Parrot (1984), while Carol Birch was longlisted in 2003 for Turn Again Home. Two Canadian writers feature on the shortlist – Patrick deWitt and Esi Edugyan – along with four British novelists.

The shortlist was announced by Chair of Judges, author and former Director-General of MI5 Dame Stella Rimington, at a press conference held at Man’s London headquarters.

The six books, selected from the longlist of 13, are:

Julian Barnes The Sense of an Ending (Jonathan Cape – Random House)

Carol Birch Jamrach’s Menagerie (Canongate Books)

Patrick deWitt The Sisters Brothers (Granta)

Esi Edugyan Half Blood Blues (Serpent’s Tail)

Stephen Kelman Pigeon English (Bloomsbury)

A.D. Miller Snowdrops (Atlantic)

Chair of judges, Dame Stella Rimington, comments:  “Inevitably it was hard to whittle down the longlist to six titles.  We were sorry to lose some great books.  But, when push came to shove, we quickly agreed that these six very different titles were the best.”

The winner of the 2011 Man Booker Prize for Fiction will be announced on Tuesday 18 October at a dinner at London’s Guildhall and will be broadcast on the BBC.  The winner will receive £50,000 and each of the six shortlisted authors, including the winner, will receive £2,500 and a designer bound edition of their book.  Last year’s winner, The Finkler Question by Howard Jacobson, has sold over 250,000 copies in the UK alone.

The judges for the 2011 Prize are writer and journalist, Matthew d’Ancona; author, Susan Hill; author and politician, Chris Mullin; and Head of Books at the Daily Telegraph, Gaby Wood.  Dame Stella Rimington is the Chair.

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The African Arts Institute (AFAI), from around the corner in Commercial Street, will host the second in their series of Learn Africa, Love Africa Film Nights in collaboration with M-Net African Film Library at the Labia on Orange on Tuesday on 13 September at 6.15pm. The film is a musical comedy, Nha Fala (My Voice, 2002) by French Bissau-Guinean director Flora Gomes and starring Fatou N’Diaye. R30. Book at the Labia, 021-424 5927.

On 20 September, at 6.30pm, the Learn Africa, Love Africa Art Talk will be at 6 Spin Street, this time with Iziko educator Kathy Coates looking at Influences on Contemporary Art in Nigeria, and following a recent research visit to West Africa. R30. Book at 021-465 9027 or info@afai.org.za

On 21 September, at 2pm, AFAI participates in the Open Book Festival with a Learn Africa, Love Africa Book Chat on Contemporary African Children’s Literature. Glynis Lloyd will moderate a panel discussion with Veronique Tadjo, Sindiwe Magona and Tanya Barben.

And on 23 September, during Open Book, join their much-anticipated All-Africa Dance Party (DJ) at the Kimberley Hotel across the road. R30 at the door. Entry from 9pm. See www.africanartsinstitute.org.za and Facebook.

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Legendary surfer Shaun Tomson will be here to read from and discuss The Surfer’s Code and Krazy Kreatures: Under My Surfboard

We are delighted to be welcoming Shaun Tomson to the Book Lounge. After the huge success of The Surfer’s Code, Shaun has now launched Krazy Kreatures: Under My Surfboard – a brand new book for young people. This funtastical book mixes fact and fantasy as it introduces finned friends like the barracuda, conger eel, dolphin, elephant seal, flying fish, grunter, hammerhead shark, killer whale and ray.

He teamed up with fellow surfer Trevor Paul – a Durban based graphic designer and illustrator who recently worked on the Peter Jackson film District 9 – to illustrate these weird and wacky ocean residents and their exploits (both real and imagined!).

For this ardent environmentalist and new Dad – who was recently appointed a roving ambassador for uShaka Marine World and the many precious marine creatures that call it home – Krazy Kreatures was an important opportunity to educate tots, tweens (and parents) on why they should love and protect the critters that live in the surf zone. 

So do come and join us to meet this legend of the waves, hear his stories and get your book signed by him.

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Aren’t we lucky? Suzanne, from Golden Bridge Tales, will come and do a Thumbelina Puppet Show for us today for story time.

 The story revolves around a young fairy who is born out of an enchanted flower. Her mother Mildred fetches her welcome surprise of fairy cup-cakes and while her back is turned Thumbelina disappears. She has been taken to a nearby pond by a Frog. Thumbelina embarks on a magical adventure and meets many kind animals who teach her wonderful things! She is finally reunited with her mother and lives happily ever after.

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Fresh off the press – Volume 5 of this brilliant bi-monthly showcase of new and exciting South African writing. And this one is extra special as it features a brilliant story from the Book Lounge’s very own (…drumroll…) Werner Pretorius! Signed copies available while stock lasts!!

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