Eleanor Catton: Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian

This month’s book is chosen by 2013 Booker winner Eleanor Catton. Catton has selected Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian. Goodnight Mister Tom was Magorian’s debut novel which went on to win many awards and was adapted both for the screen and stage. Catton explains why she chose it:

‘I would like to recommend Goodnight Mr Tom by Michelle Magorian, a very dear book to me in part because it was the first book that I ever bought with my own money, using a ten-dollar book token that I had received as a school prize. I don’t know how many times I have read it: my copy is now very bleached and all the pages are falling out. It is the book that taught me about kindness, and how vital and redemptive kindness is. I love it with all my heart.’

Eleanor Catton’s second novel The Luminaries broke records when it won the Booker, making her the youngest ever author to win it with the longest ever book to win.