Stuart Evers' picks for the Man Booker longlist

The sad truth of it is that the only novel I’ll be looking at the list for is my own; but once that is established either way, I’ll be looking hopefully for the following books.

Narcopolis by Jeet Thayil
A very different kind of Indian novel and a very real triumph.

Hawthorn & Child by Keith Ridgway
I’ve been a fan of his for years, and this is his best, most perplexing and interesting novel yet.

The Big Music by Kirsty Gunn
If I’m honest, this isn’t my kind of book; but it is vaultingly ambitious, experimental and often beautiful: in short the sort of novel the Booker is here to celebrate

Swimming Home by Deborah Levy
A novel that starts in a conventional way, then drifts off into something far more interesting. It would be great to see her on the list.

The Apartment by Greg Baxter
I’m assured that he is eligible for the prize, which is lucky as this is probably one of my very favourite books of the year.

Kimberly’s Capital Punishment by Richard Milward
Depraved, unpleasant and foul, this would be a welcome ass-kick to the Booker.

Weirdo by Cathi Unsworth
If there’s ever going to be a crime writer to crack the list, it’s likely to be Cathi.