P.S.

While reading Private Eye on the train home I came upon a piece about OPF. Brushing aside the usual complaints about the prize's 'reverse sexism', the article concentrated on evidence of ageism - pointing out that only 2 novelists over 60 have won (the late Carol Shields and Rose Tremain). 

"Bookworm" attributed this to the generally relatively youthful judging panel, and suggested that this year's panel, headed by 39 year old Fi Glover "have a chance to end the pattern of age discrimination by honouring an older woman for the second year running: America's Marilynne Robinson, like Tremain in her mid-60s [actually - she's 62: Ed] would be a classy contender"

Nuff said