Paul Lynch, a 46-year-old Irish author, has won the 2023 Booker Prize for his dystopian novel Prophet Song which explores how Ireland is controlled by totalitarianism. It is the first time that Lynch has won this prestigious award which recognises excellence in the field of fiction writing. Set in Dublin, the novel talks about a family that tries to come to grips with a new and frightening world where democratic norms start to disappear.
Lynch revealed that his inspiration to write the novel came from the Syrian conflict and refugee crisis. In his acceptance speech, he said that it was with “immense pleasure” that he was taking the Booker back to Ireland. Although Prophet Song is not an easy book to write, said Lynch when asked about it after the ceremony. He was delighted his book was recognised at the Booker Prize.
The author, who was born in Limerick and now lives in Dublin, added that the novel was not a political novel even though it was touching on the theme of extremism and totalitarianism. He commented that he would use some of the prize money to pay off his mortgage which will be a huge relief to him.
The panel of judges chose Lynch’s book as it reflects the very moment in which we are living while possessing a timeless quality that could outlast the present moment, said head judge Esi Edugyan. Lynch’s Prophet Song offers a guiding vision not just for this moment but for all times – it is a book to remind us of all that is worth saving.
Margaret Atwood, Salman Rushdie, Hilary Mantel, and Bernardine Evaristo are some of the previous winning authors of this prestigious award which is considered one of the most respected in the world
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