Seven Booker Prize-nominated novels that incorporate sports

Emily Facoory curated a list of Booker Prize-nominated novels "that incorporate sports, whether as a central theme or simply a brief scene." One title on the list:

The Van by Roddy Doyle

The Van, which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1991, is the third installment of Roddy Doyle’s acclaimed Barrytown Trilogy, a series which began life with The Commitments in 1987 – a novel that was later adapted into the cult-status film of the same name. His comedy-drama centres around the Rabbitte family in Dublin and in The Van, he follows the escapades of down-and-out Jimmy Rabbitte Sr. and his best friend Bimbo as they buy an old fish and chip van in an attempt to lift themselves out of unemployment.

Football fever has gripped Ireland as the national team finds some unlikely success in the Italia ’90 World Cup, which serves as a backdrop to the novel. The duo capitalise on the baying football crowds outside their local pub, as the fans gather to toast their wins and drown their sorrows. At its heart, The Van is a novel about people, rather than events, one that explores male friendship through the witty and sharp Irish vernacular that Doyle is renowned for.

Read about the other novels on the list.

The Van is among David F. Ross's ten top books about soccer.

--Marshal Zeringue