Canadian-British novelist David Szalay shortlisted for Booker Prize

By Canadian Press on September 23, 2025.

Canadian-British novelist David Szalay has made the short list for the Booker Prize.

The six finalists for the prestigious U.K. award include Szalay’s unconventional rags-to-riches tale “Flesh.”

The book follows a socially isolated young man from his origins in the housing projects of Hungary to the upper echelons of English society.

Szalay was born in Canada, moved to the U.K. a year later, and is now based in Vienna. His 2016 novel “All That Man Is” was also shortlisted for the Booker.

This year’s short list also includes “Flashlight” by Susan Choi, “The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny” by Kiran Desai, “Audition” by Katie Kitamura, “The Rest of Our Lives” by Ben Markovits and “The Land in Winter” by Andrew Miller.

The jury that selected the finalists includes actress Sarah Jessica Parker and novelists Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀, Chris Power, Kiley Reid and Roddy Doyle.

The award, which is worth roughly $93,000, is due to be handed out at a ceremony in London on Nov. 10.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 23, 2025.

Nicole Thompson, The Canadian Press

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