As a Booker Prize judge, I can honestly say I’ve worked harder than I ever have before. Over six months, I read 163 novels, carefully assessed each one, and was always ready to defend my opinions. It took a lot of mental energy—more than I think it would take to write a book. But it was also deeply rewarding and, at times, a lot of fun. I’ll always remember the lively discussions during our judging meetings, where we sometimes found ourselves in agreement on a book’s merits and other times sharply divided. There were no dramatic public arguments, but plenty of thoughtful debates and re-reading. When each new batch of novels arrived, I dove right in, picking them out randomly—except for the occasional “cheat” when I needed to meet a reading quota by choosing a shorter book. To give you a clearer picture of this year’s shortlist, here’s a quick guide to each book, listed in alphabetical order. M John Harrison’s The End of Everything takes place in a dystopian version of Kent, set in the near future. A mysterious catastrophe has shattered social order, leaving survivors to scavenge and "make do." The novel includes unexpected random violence and an alien visitor, but it’s more than just strange—it’s also a reflection on our present world. The story is gripping and often surprisingly funny, even when you’re not entirely sure what’s happening. That uncertainty is, in fact, part of the point. Marlon James’s The Disappearers is also rooted in dystopian themes, but it’s inspired by a real-life violent incident in Jamaica in the 1980s. The novel follows a violent attack on a group of gay men rehearsing for a play, with one actor killed and another left with both eyes gouged out. The aftermath of this tragedy is explored through multiple timelines and voices, including diary entries and media interviews. The characters are unforgettable, the wit sharp, and the emotional impact profound. In contrast, Luke Kennard’s Black Bag begins with a hilarious premise: a struggling actor takes a job in a university psychology department, where he has to attend classes wearing a black leather bag. Based on a real 1960s experiment, the novel uses surreal humor to explore themes of identity, ambition, and human vulnerability. It’s laugh-out-loud funny, even on a second read, and doesn’t shy away from absurd and memorable scenes—some of which take place inside the bag. Rebecca Perry’s May We Feed the King also has surreal elements. The narrator, a self-deprecating museum curator, specializes in recreating historical tableaux with eerily accurate fake fruit and plastic meat. During one assignment, the curator uncovers the story of a forgotten medieval king, trapped in a dangerous court. Perry skillfully weaves the past and present, questioning the line between history and fiction, and whether the past can ever truly be a refuge from the present. In Elizabeth Strout’s The Things We Never Say, Artie Dam, a 50-something history teacher in an American high school, finds his life unraveling. He struggles with thoughts of suicide, engages in shoplifting, and faces a new U.S. president, all while dealing with a devastating family secret. The novel is understated and deeply moving, exploring the silences and shame of family life and the challenges of modern America, without being overtly political. Lastly, Douglas Stuart’s John of John follows a student returning to his childhood home on the remote island of Harris in the Hebrides. While the island is beautifully described, it’s far from the romantic, untouched paradise of tourist brochures. Instead, it’s a place of violence, feuds, and isolation, both physical and emotional. Yet, beneath the surface, there’s a raw tenderness and emotional depth that ultimately offer a surprising sense of hope. Each of these books has the power to change how you see the world. So, dive in and enjoy the ride. Explore the shortlist for this year’s Booker Prize and, for a limited time, get all six books for only £79 at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.