Graeme Macrae Burnet discusses the work and lasting influence of Georges Simenon, the creator of Maigret.
It’s not our place as booksellers to be partisan over awards: being independently-minded – at least until the award has had its moment – is part of the job. The presence of Graeme Macrae Burnet on the Man Booker shortlist, however, has forced us to test this position. As one of our own – that is, an ex-Waterstones bookseller – Burnet has not just joined that grand alumnus of booksellers into print, but now finds himself on the very precipice of potentially bagging the biggest and most prestigious prize in literary fiction. By this evening, we will know and we can’t help but feel a certain sense of pride and anxiety. Last week, Waterstones Online’s Martha Greengrass caught up with Burnet to discuss the construction of His Bloody Project, the novel under such scrutiny, and the place where research stops and narrative begins.
Although we’re trying desperately not to be too partisan at Waterstones towers, we can’t but help but feel a shiver of pride to witness ex-Waterstones bookseller Graeme Macrae Burnet forge through to the final Man Booker 2016 shortlist six for his masterful novel of criminal trial, His Bloody Project. The book has received rare praise for its almost overwhelming sense of authenticity and here, Graeme lifts the lid on his singular narrative approach.
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