Kiran Desai and David Szalay Among Authors Shortlisted for 2024 Booker Prize
LONDON – Kiran Desai, author of The Fortunate, and David Szalay, with his novel Turbulence, are among the six authors shortlisted for the 2024 Booker Prize, it was announced today. Joining them on the shortlist are Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀, Jonathan Escoffery, Samantha Harvey, and Paul Murray. The announcement follows a rigorous selection process from a field of 153 submissions, with judges acknowledging the “real agony” of narrowing down the contenders.
The judging panel, comprised of authors Doyle, Parker, Power, Adébáyọ̀ and Reid, spent approximately four hours deliberating the shortlist. Seven titles previously named on the longlist - including Love Forms by Claire Adam and The south by Tash Aw – did not advance to this stage. The prize, which awards £50,000 to the winner, will be presented on November 10th.
The Booker Prize, established in 1969, is awarded annually for the best novel written in the English language and published in the United Kingdom or ireland. It has a history of launching literary careers and recognizing meaningful works of fiction. Last year’s winner was Samantha Harvey for Orbital, following previous accolades for authors such as Paul Lynch, Shehan Karunatilaka, Damon Galgut, and Douglas Stuart.
Judges emphasized the exceptional quality of the shortlisted novels, highlighting their depth and resonance. The selection process involved careful consideration of each book’s literary merit and impact.The winner will be chosen from these six finalists, continuing the prize’s tradition of celebrating outstanding storytelling.
