Round Two of The Morning News’ Tournament of Books has just concluded, and this is who made it through to the semifinals:

The Plot Against America
vs. The Inner Circle
Judge: Maud Newton

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell
vs. Heir to the Glimmering World
Judge: Mark Sarvas

Cloud Atlas
vs. An Unfinished Season
Judge: Jessa Crispin

I Am Charlotte Simmons
vs. Birds Without Wings
Judge: John Warner

The Babu is thinking sadly that Indian literary awards would be so much fun if you could just take the Tournament of Books model and tweak it a little. Like put the authors into the ring (free boxing gloves provided), sit back and watch as Anita Desai tries to punch out Nayantara Sahgal, Amit Chaudhuri loosens a couple of Raj Kamal Jha’s teeth, Naipaul and Rushdie judder around whining about their black eyes… Ah well. Back to work, Hurree.