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Orwell Prize for Books 2016: Shortlist Revealed

By April 26, 2016Literary Awards

Back in early March we brought you the news that that Orwell Prize for Books 2016 longlist had been revealed, and now the shortlist is announced and it’s dominated by books about the Middle East. The prestigious prize for political writing is awarded each year, continuing Orwell’s ambition to ‘Make political writing into an art’.

For the first time ever, no fiction made the longlist this year, and books about the Middle East dominate the shortlist. Given that our news and politics is current dominated by Middle East stories, this shortlist comes as no surprise, as writing reflects life and political writing in particular.

The New Threat from Islamic Militancy – Jason Burke

Jason Burke is a best selling author in this field, and here he looks at the problems in and with the Middle East and how they have manifested in recent years.

The New Threat from Islamic Militancy US
The New Threat from Islamic Militancy UK

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Other People’s Money – John Kay

There’s been much talk about the financial sector in our news in recent years, and here John Kay dissects the industry and looks at how it uses other people’s money to create appropriation of wealth.

Other People’s Money US
Other People’s Money UK

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The Tears of the Rajas – Ferdinand Mount

The Tears of the Rajas is a fascinating look at how politics and royalty shaped India between 1805 and 1905, building the political structure that survives today.

The Tears of the Rajas US
The Tears of the Rajas UK

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The Invention of Russia – Arkady Ostrovsky

Russian politics has been a feature in the world media of late, and here Ostrovsky looks at the last twenty-five years of politics, bringing us to the current day.

The Invention of Russia US
The Invention of Russia UK

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The Unraveling – Emma Sky

Back in the Middle East with The Unraveling, a look at the Iraq crisis, the war and the very many missed opportunities along the way.

The Unraveling US
The Unraveling UK

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Circling the Square – Wendell Steavenson

Circling the Square is a collection of true stories from the Egyptian Revolution and the Arab Spring, showing the human side of the political turmoil.

Circling the Square US
Circling the Square UK

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The shortlist takes the list down to six chosen books, all now in the running or the £3,000 prize. The final winner will be announced on 26th May.



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