Paul Beatty

Oct 2, 2024 | thebookerprizes.com | Patricia Lockwood |Paul Beatty |Georgi Gospodinov |Angela Rodel

It should not be surprising to learn that many shortlisted and winning books across both the Booker and International Booker prizes are by authors who have also written poetry. After all, telling stories has long been a part of the poet’s role across cultures and traditions; while the prizes have always celebrated writers who use language in ways that allow us to see the world anew.

Sep 16, 2024 | thebookerprizes.com | Mark Twain |Percival L. Everett |Paul Beatty

A profound meditation on identity, belonging and the sacrifices we make to protect the ones we love, which reimagines Adventures of Huckleberry FinnWhether you’re new to James or have read it and would like to explore it more deeply, here is our comprehensive guide, featuring insights from critics, our judges and the book’s author, as well as discussion points and suggestions for further reading.

Apr 19, 2024 | thebookerprizes.com | Ian McEwan |Hilary Mantel |Nadifa Mohamed |Paul Beatty

What exactly is an anti-hero? While the term, which dates back to the early 18th century, has always been quite loosely defined, it is often used to describe protagonists who defy conventional heroic traits, such as courage, integrity or compassion. Instead, antiheroes are often deeply flawed characters, with questionable values, a skewed moral compass and an unreliable point of view. Although they’re not without their attractions.

Jan 3, 2024 | thebookerprizes.substack.com | Paul Beatty |Kingsley Amis |Howard Jacobson |David Lodge

You might have concluded from some recent Booker Prize winners that great novels aren’t particularly funny any more. It’s true that 2023’s winner, Prophet Song by Paul Lynch, is a story of fear and oppression – therein lies its power – and that recent shortlists have sometimes been light on laughs. But if you’re looking for a book to cheer you up, the good news is that the Booker Prize has always had an ear for comedy as well as tragedy.

Nov 26, 2023 | thebookerprizes.com | Paul Lynch |Paul Beatty |Esi Edugyan |Shehan Karunatilaka

Prophet Song by Paul Lynch is tonight, Sunday, November 26, named the winner of the Booker Prize 2023. He receives £50,000 and was presented with his trophy by Shehan Karunatilaka, last year’s winner, at a ceremony held at Old Billingsgate, London. The event was hosted by Samira Ahmed and broadcast live as a special episode of BBC Radio 4 Front Row.