Roddy Doyle, the chair of the Booker judging panel, recently reflected on the unique qualities of “Flesh,” a novel by Hungarian-British author David Szalay that stands out on the shortlist for its unconventional narrative approach. In this, his sixth book, Szalay employs a classic story structure, tracing the life of his protagonist, István, from his teenage years to old age, while radically stripping away the interiority commonly found in traditional novels.
The story begins with István as a discontented 15-year-old in Hungary, who becomes entangled in a troubling relationship with an older neighbor that is marked by shame and confusion. A violent incident sends his life into disarray, leading to a military stint in Kuwait, a move to London, and a stint as a bouncer before he eventually finds himself among the wealthy elite. Throughout this journey, readers gain insight into how others perceive István—through their desires and fears—but are largely distanced from his internal thoughts, as he often communicates with a simple, vague “OK.”
This narrative style, while risky, has yielded significant results, inviting readers to engage with the unspoken complexities of István’s character. Rather than a straightforward portrayal of vulnerability in the face of life’s unpredictability, Szalay crafts a compelling story that addresses profound questions related to identity, free will, and the essence of existence.
Szalay’s literary journey has seen him explore themes of masculinity, status, and migration, particularly through the lens of working-class male experiences, which Doyle notes are often overlooked in contemporary literary fiction. “Flesh” features an understated dialogue that aligns with Szalay’s pursuit of realism, revealing the way people genuinely communicate.
In “Flesh,” Szalay also utilizes white space effectively, with the intervals between chapters representing critical events happening offstage—mirroring the emotional and relational gaps between characters. This technique resonates with styles from his earlier works, such as “All That Man Is,” which collectively amplify the narrative’s impact. Szalay has a noted ability to convey deep emotion with minimal words, as seen in his previous collection “Turbulence.”
The novel grapples with the origins of our emotions, balancing physical experiences with mental reflections. Szalay positions “Flesh” as an exploration of existence driven by bodily impulses, which provides a distinctive perspective, especially in an increasingly digital world. While the latter part of the book may deviate slightly from its central focus on István, its innovative approach and emotional heft make “Flesh” a thought-provoking read that lingers in the mind and evokes physical responses.