Canadian-Hungarian-British author David Szalay has won the 2025 Booker Prize for his novel “Flesh.” The announcement was made Monday at a ceremony in London, marking a unanimous decision by the judging panel. The prestigious literary award honors the best English-language novel published in the UK or Ireland each year. Szalay’s win caps a highly competitive shortlist of six finalists, earning him global recognition and a £50,000 prize.
Who: David Szalay, acclaimed Canadian-Hungarian-British novelist.
What: Winner of the Booker Prize 2025 for his novel “Flesh.”
When: Announced Monday, November 10, 2025.
Where: Booker Prize ceremony, London.
Why: Judges praised “Flesh” for its spare prose and nuanced portrayal of its protagonist, István.
How: A unanimous decision by the panel after extended deliberation.
The book follows István’s journey from his working-class roots in Hungary to immense wealth in Britain. Its minimalist style and emotional restraint impressed the judges, setting it apart from the other finalists.
Reactions from Judges and Critics
Chair judge Roddy Doyle described “Flesh” as “a masterclass in understated storytelling.” He praised how Szalay captures a “type of man rarely depicted in fiction” — quiet, flawed, and introspective.
Actress Sarah Jessica Parker, also on the judging panel, called the novel “a remarkable exploration of identity and ambition.”
Critics across major outlets like Reuters and The Guardian have lauded Szalay’s victory as a win for literary subtlety over spectacle.
Why This Win Matters
Winning the Booker Prize represents a career-defining achievement for David Szalay. The £50,000 award is accompanied by a surge in international visibility and book sales.
Past winners such as Salman Rushdie and Margaret Atwood have gone on to global acclaim, and “Flesh” now joins that elite literary lineage.
Szalay’s victory signals a renewed appreciation for character-driven fiction in an era dominated by experimental narratives. His success also underlines the Booker’s continued influence in shaping global literary trends.
What’s Next for David Szalay
Following his Booker win, David Szalay is expected to embark on a global book tour and media appearances. His publisher has confirmed an upcoming international edition of “Flesh” to meet rising demand.
Fans and critics alike now anticipate Szalay’s next project, which he has hinted may explore post-war Europe and generational identity.
Sources
Reuters: Booker Prize 2025 Announcement
The Booker Prizes Official Site: thebookerprizes.com
The Guardian: Booker Prize Winners 2025 Coverage
