This year’s shortlist for the Man Booker prize is long on star power and short on women. David Mitchell, a veteran of the shortlist, is considered the favorite, but he’s up against two other heavyweights in Alan Hollinghurst and Colm Toibin. The panel of judges was reportedly well split between the finalists, and if history is any indication, there will be plenty of speculation in the weeks to come. The Booker will be awarded on October 19.