Hugo reactions

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Official shortlist. I know I am several days behind the curve here. Anyway, congratulations to , , , Ken, Paul and Cheryl all of whom I think do read me here from time to time (and apologies as well as congratulations to anyone else seeing this who I missed).

I don’t think he reads this, but in case he does, an extra shouted “Congrats” to Dominic Green, who I haven’t seen since student days in Cambridge, though we were in touch a few years ago, er, in 2000 now that I look at it.

Novels: Am stunned and surprised that Anansi Boys didn’t make it to the short list. Perhaps it came out too late in the year? Perhaps the reason I particularly liked it – that it marked a move onto slightly different territory for Gaiman – worked against it for most fans? Will obviously have to get hold of Old Man’s War and Spinthe other three.

Novellas: The only two I have read were the Link (which must surely win) and the Sawyer (which rather to my surprise I nominated).

Novelettes: Have read none of them. This will change.

Short Story: Despite my congrats to Dominic, nobody stands a chance against Margo Lanagan.

Best Dramatic Presentation: Long Form: Serenity, obviously.

Best Dramatic Presentation: Short Form: Good Lord, I have actually seen four of these – the three Doctor Who nominations (for four episodes) and Kim Newman/Paul McAuley’s Hugo presentation last year. Despite ‘s surprise, it’s not so very surprising that the two Worldcon live events both made it to the shortlist. I have a vague feeling this has happened once or twice before but have not yet found supporting evidence.

comments, “It’s one of our subcultural myths that we’re “neophilic,” that we routinely acclaim strong new work, and in fact since the first Hugo Awards in 1953, fully 22 debut novels have been among the finalists.” He is entirely right to be sceptical of that myth. In fact, the Nebula voters are much more neophilic than the Hugo voters. It is some time since I last crunched the numbersLocus Online) none of the Novelette nominees has ever won it before. And I think we can add Margo Lanagan as well.

One thought on “Hugo reactions”

  1. I think this is being a little unfair on Ian. Most UK sf writers, especially those who rose to prominence, have been male. Indeed, several that I thought of suggesting here turned out, upon checking Wikipedia, to be American.

    I think that the US and Canada and Australia tend to do better for women SF authors. I’m not sure why but I suspect it has something to do with the UK having a disparaging attitude to SF in general (that may be changing now that Dr Who is back, but that’s how I remember things being when I was growing up).

    All that said though, there is one woman who is shockingly absent from this list. Shouldn’t No 1 be Mary Shelley?

    Don’t be telling me she was American too, I’m sure she’s one of ours?!

    Colum

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