Booker Prize 2025: David Szalay’s Novel Flesh Wins Top Literary Honour

David Szalay has won the Booker Prize 2025. The Hungarian-British author received the award for his novel, Flesh. The ceremony took place in London. The decision was unanimous among the judges.

Chair of judges Roddy Doyle announced the winner. He called the book a remarkable achievement. The win places Szalay among literature’s most celebrated authors.

A Deep Dive into the Winning Novel

Flesh tells the story of a man named István. He grows up in Hungary with his mother. His life takes him from a military school to London’s wealthy elite.

The book explores themes of class and migration. It also examines masculinity and physical existence. According to The Guardian, Szalay’s prose is spare and powerful.

Judge Roddy Doyle highlighted the book’s unique perspective. He said it focuses on a working-class man. This viewpoint is often missing from major literary fiction.

The Judges’ Unanimous Decision

The 2025 judging panel was diverse. It included actor Sarah Jessica Parker and writer Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀. They all agreed on Szalay’s novel after much discussion.

Roddy Doyle was asked if other books came close. He said it would be unfair to name them. The panel’s solidarity for Flesh was clear from the start.

The book was praised for its emotional depth. Doyle related it to his own upbringing. He noted how men are often taught to suppress their feelings.

Szalay’s Path to the Booker Prize

David Szalay was born in Canada. He was raised in London and now lives in Vienna. His background informs his writing on displacement.

He previously worked in advertising sales. His first novel, London and the South-East, drew from this experience. His latest work was born from a period of creative struggle.

In a piece for The Guardian, Szalay said Flesh was conceived after abandoning another project. He wanted to capture the physical nature of human existence. This idea became the core of the book.

Impact on the Literary World

The win secures a £50,000 prize for Szalay. It also guarantees a significant sales boost. The publisher, Jonathan Cape, celebrates its tenth Booker victory.

This marks the second consecutive win for the publisher. Samantha Harvey’s Orbital won the prize last year. The imprint solidifies its reputation for literary excellence.

David Szalay’s Booker Prize 2025 win for Flesh confirms the power of minimalist storytelling. The novel’s focus on the physical self resonates deeply in today’s literary landscape. It is a defining work for this year.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the book Flesh about?

Flesh follows the life of István, a Hungarian man. It traces his journey from a difficult youth to a life among London’s elite. The novel explores themes of class, trauma, and masculinity.

Who were the other shortlisted authors?

The shortlist included Andrew Miller and Kiran Desai. Susan Choi and Katie Kitamura were also contenders. Ben Markovits rounded out the strong list of finalists.

How much is the Booker Prize money?

The winner receives £50,000. Each shortlisted author is awarded £2,500. The prize aims to support and promote literary fiction.

What did the judges say about Flesh?

Judge Roddy Doyle said they had never read anything like it. He praised its focus on a working-class man’s inner life. The panel’s decision was unanimous.

Where can I buy the book Flesh?

The novel is published by Vintage. It is available at major bookstores and online retailers. The Guardian Bookshop also offers discounted copies.

Trusted Sources

The Guardian, Reuters, Booker Prizes