Paul Beatty has become the first American author to win the prestigious Man Booker Prize for The Sellout — a caustic satire on US racial politics that has earned him comparisons with the likes of Mark Twain and Jonathan Swift
Pic/AP/PTI
London: Paul Beatty has become the first American author to win the prestigious Man Booker Prize for The Sellout — a caustic satire on US racial politics that has earned him comparisons with the likes of Mark Twain and Jonathan Swift.
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The novel, described by the judges as “shocking and unexpectedly funny”, tells the story of an African-American man who attempts to assert his identity, ironically by reintroducing slavery and segregation in his LA neighbourhood.
The 54-year-old author collected the 50,000 pound award at a ceremony at London’s Guildhall. He appeared overwhelmed with emotion and struggled for words.
Beatty’s caustic wit and humour earned him high praise from the judges. Amanda Foreman, chair of the judging panel, said the novel had been chosen unanimously after four hours of deliberation.
“The Sellout is one of those rare books that is able to take satire” Foreman said.
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