Offshore - Penelope Fitzgerald

From F. Scott to Penelope, we're now moving through the Fitzgeralds (no relation). Known for her "economical yet evocative" writing style, Fitzgerald is among the most nominated Booker Prize authors - Offshore being her win among the four - and probably one of the least commonly known. Publishing her first novel at the age of 60 and being shortlisted six years later, she's a contrast to some of our latest authors that lived hard and died young.

Fitzgerald has drawn comparisons to the likes of D.H. Lawrence, Evelyn Waugh and Martin Amis. When looking for reviews I came across a blog from a Creative Writing lecturer that bill this her most impactful read of that year from the perspective of one writer to another. I also found a Guardian review that found the novel "cold with dampened enthusiasm". Far from your standard Christmas pick, this novel should be a delight to debate this December.