Canadian-Hungarian-British author David Szalay captured the prestigious Booker Prize for Fiction on Monday with his novel “Flesh,” a profound exploration of an ordinary man’s life experienced over several decades. This story is remarkable not only for what it narrates explicitly, but also for what remains unspoken, emphasizing the significance of unsaid moments.
The 51-year-old Szalay emerged victorious from a pool of six finalists, overcoming notable contenders such as Andrew Miller and Kiran Desai. Winning this illustrious award comes with a financial prize of £50,000 (approximately $66,000) and is expected to significantly enhance Szalay’s literary presence and book sales.
Szalay’s book was selected from 153 submitted works by a distinguished judging panel featuring renowned Irish author Roddy Doyle and actress Sarah Jessica Parker among its members. Doyle remarked that “Flesh,” described as a book “about living, and the strangeness of living,” stood out as a unanimous choice after an extensive five-hour deliberation.
The narrative of “Flesh” follows the character István, whose life unfolds from a youthful relationship with an older woman to experiences as a struggling immigrant in Britain, ultimately becoming part of London’s elite. Szalay expressed his desire to delve into the life of a Hungarian immigrant while emphasizing the physicality of existence and what it means to be a living being in the world.
During the award ceremony at London’s Old Billingsgate venue, Szalay expressed gratitude to the judges for recognizing his “risky” narrative. He humorously reflected on a conversation with his editor regarding the book’s title, affirming the unexpected triumph of “Flesh” in winning the Booker Prize.
Doyle noted the book’s focus on intricate themes surrounding a working-class man, which he believes are often overlooked in literature. After reading “Flesh,” he found himself reflecting more deeply on the lives of individuals, such as doormen in Dublin, feeling a connection with their stories.
Szalay, originally from Canada, raised in the UK, and currently residing in Vienna, was previously a finalist for the Booker Prize in 2016 with “All That Man Is,” a collection of stories centered on nine diverse male characters.
Critics have lauded “Flesh” for its sparseness but some have felt frustrated by its narrative gaps, with significant life events, such as periods of incarceration and military service, occurring off the page. However, Doyle praised the novel’s ability to reveal much about István’s character through his sparse dialogue and experiences, suggesting that filling those gaps would diminish the book’s impact.
While considered an outsider for this year’s award, Szalay’s odds had improved leading up to the ceremony, creating a sense of anticipation among literary circles. The other finalists included Susan Choi’s intricate family drama “Flashlight,” Katie Kitamura’s exploration of identity in “Audition,” and Ben Markovits’ road trip narrative “The Rest of Our Lives,” among others.
The Booker Prize, established in 1969, has a long-standing reputation for significantly impacting authors’ careers, boosting their visibility and readership. Past winners have included literary giants such as Salman Rushdie, Ian McEwan, and Margaret Atwood, all of whom left an indelible mark on the literary landscape. As Szalay steps into the spotlight, “Flesh” serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring relevance of everyday experiences.