The shortlist for the Booker Prize published today features two previous winners of the coveted literary prize, Mr Peter Carey, whose novel Oscar and Lucindawon in 1988, and Mr Ian McEwan who took the prize in 1998 with Amsterdam.
The list contains one first time novelist, Ms Rachel Seiffert, for her book
The Dark Room
.
It is the first time the shortlist has been drawn from a published long list of novels, which included well known authors such as Mr Nick Hornby, Mr Melvyn Bragg and Dame Beryl.
Announcing today the six shortlisted works, the chairman of the judging panel, former British education secretary Lord Baker said it had been a difficult choice to whittle down the 121 novels first submitted for consideration.
"We felt the long list revealed what a great year this was for fiction. We were very impressed with the imagination, vitality and story-telling that we read," he told a news conference in central London.
Lord Baker added: "The important thing about the Booker is that we do try to choose the best book of the year."
He said there had been unanimity among the panel in choosing the shortlisted six, and added: "We believe very strongly this is a very good year for fiction. The novel is not remotely dead, it is alive and active in Britain."
The Booker Prize is now in its 33rd year and the winner receives a total of £21,000 with a guaranteed increase in sales and recognition worldwide.
Along with Lord Baker, the judging panel this year is Mr Philip Hensher, novelist and critic; Ms Michele Roberts, novelist and poet; Ms Kate Summerscale, literary editor of the Daily Telegraph; and Professor Rory Watson, academic and writer.
The judges will meet again on Wednesday October 17th to choose a winner and their decision will be announced at an awards dinner at London's Guildhall that night.
Tonight, the two previous winning authors were installed as early joint favourites by bookmakers William Hill.
Mr Peter Carey and Mr Ian McEwan are both quoted at 5/2 by William Hill, who make Mr Andrew Miller third favourite at 9/2.
PA