Arabic version: القراء يناقشون أفضل 100 رواية في جلسة أسئلة وأجوبة مباشرة

A live Q&A session hosted by Liese Spencer and David Shariatmadari engaged readers regarding the recent list of the 100 greatest novels. The discussion focused on the choices made by voters and the notable omissions from the list, prompting a lively exchange of opinions.

According to The Guardian, participants raised questions about the dominance of certain authors like Jane Austen and the absence of others such as Terry Pratchett. Some readers expressed their disappointment at missing works from influential authors, suggesting a different criteria might yield a more diverse selection.

The moderators acknowledged the feedback, noting that the list reflects both popular and critical acclaim. They entertained ideas for future lists that could spotlight less well-known but impactful authors, as well as emphasize the contributions of female writers and voices from beyond the global north.

As the conversation continued, readers pondered how the phrasing of the list’s prompt—whether it asked for ‘best’, ‘greatest’, or ‘favorite’ novels—could influence the final selections. The moderators agreed that personal experiences significantly shaped voters’ choices, often leaning towards books that left a lasting impression during formative years.