Paul Beatty Wins Man Booker 2016
A few months ago we brought you the Man Booker shortlist, and now Paul Beatty has gone on to become the first American writer to win the prize, for his satirical novel, The Sellout.
The book has been one of the best selling of all the short list, and while laugh out loud in parts it’s said to not be an easy read. Beatty has been likened to Vonnegut for his writing style and The Sellout is a scathing, satirical look at US racial politics.
The subject certainly puts the book on the zeitgeist list, over the last couple of years, racial politics has been big news in the US and this funny and unapologetic book from the perspective of an African American character, wowed the judges.
Described as sweary, with frequent use of the word ‘nigger’, The Sellout is not for the easily offended, but then fiction isn’t always supposed to make us feel comfortable.
The win was announced at a black tie dinner at London’s Guildhall on the evening of Tuesday 25th October. Beatty was presented with his trophy by the Duchess of Cornwall and will now also collect the £50,000 prize money associated with the prize. The author seemed absolutely overwhelmed by the award and told the audience that writing has given him a life.
Beatty is the author of three previous novels, and two books of poetry, this is his first shortlist for the Man Booker.
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