A.F.E. Smith
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Six months on the Barren Islands

30/5/2013

6 Comments

 
This week on Barren Island Books, something a little different.

We've been exiling our guests to remote islands, armed only with their five chosen books and a few extra essentials, for six months now – and so we thought it was a good time to take stock. Thus far we've interviewed 28 amazing authors, who between them selected 132 books … or omnibuses … or entire series (because it's amazing what people will try and get away with when they think they're going to be deprived of their favourite reading matter). So which are the top picks? Which books and authors stand out as being preferred companions-in-exile? And which of our guests wins the prize for smuggling the greatest number of extra books onto their barren island? All will be revealed below.

As you might expect from a group of interviewees who mainly write fantasy themselves, the most frequently chosen authors were J.R.R. Tolkien, Terry Pratchett, J.K. Rowling and C.S. Lewis. Which proves that the classics never die, and also that having initials instead of a first name is a good step for a fantasy author.*

The Lord of the Rings was the only book that was chosen several times. Books that featured twice included the Brothers Grimm's Collection of Fairy Tales, Frank Herbert's Dune, Margaret Mitchell's Gone With The Wind and Ian Banks's The Crow Road. Our guests are nothing if not eclectic.

Goblet of Fire was the preferred Harry Potter book. It's not the longest, or (in my opinion) the best plotted. On the other hand, it does contain dragons. Perhaps that's what swayed the interviewees.

Terry Pratchett was chosen six times, but it was a different book each time. Whatever you think of Sir Terry, he's certainly not a one-hit wonder.

The most popular recent author was Joe Abercrombie. It seems that as well as dragons, our guests enjoy a little bit of bloody violence.

Two of our interviewees also had their books chosen by other interviewees. Stand up, Sophie E. Tallis and M.T. McGuire! (See, I told you about the initials.)

The Best Cheat Award has to go to Lindsey J. Parsons, who managed to sneak 26 books past us in the early days of the show (before we got wise to our guests' determination to hold on to their favourite reading material by any means possible). Well done, Lindsey. We'll be sending the sharks your way soon …

So there you have it. We've got more interesting, entertaining and completely bonkers Barren Islanders coming your way in the months ahead, but in the meantime, we at BIB would like to thank everyone who's participated in the show so far. It's been a pleasure exiling you all :-)


* She says smugly.
6 Comments
M T McGuire link
30/5/2013 03:49:32 pm

Cool loved the round up.

cheers

MTM

Reply
Sophie E Tallis link
30/5/2013 04:19:13 pm

A fantastic round up, thanks AFE.

What a glorious exile it's been - wonderful books, constant sunshine, endless coconuts, the odd mango and I'm getting used to the taste of shark! He he he!

Seriously, this has been such an entertaining series of interviews, a truly inspired stroke of genius from its creator. Huge congrats AFE on the success of this wonderful series, very well deserved. I look forward to the next group of exiles...preferably someone who can bring me some marmite! :D

Reply
Will Macmillan Jones
31/5/2013 12:55:35 am

The best thing about the exile was a marmite free existence...

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Andrea Baker
31/5/2013 01:10:24 am

I disagree Will, peace, quiet and great books to read...!

Bliss...

Lindsey J Parsons link
31/5/2013 02:48:01 am

Wow!! I've won an award!!! Not sure about the sharks though :D
Thanks AFE for such a wonderful and entertaining series, I've really enjoyed hearing about everyone's favourite books and I'm looking forward to the next six months.
Oh and is there any chance I could have a bookcase as I seem to have a lot of books stacked up around the place? :p

Reply
Bennet Pomerantz link
31/5/2013 07:22:39 am

I thought I cheated well. I have to a better time on my next exile. I am building a rocket ship to get off Mars..should be back on earth soon

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  • Home
  • Books
    • Marked series >
      • Dawn Rising
      • The Dark Knife
    • Darkhaven novels >
      • Darkhaven
      • Goldenfire
      • Windsinger
  • Shorts
  • Gallery
  • Contact