British-Pakistani writer Mohsin Hamid makes his second appearance with “Exit West” in the shortlist for Britain’s prestigious Man Booker Prize published Wednesday, one of six books that organisers said: “collectively push against the borders of convention”.
It’s the second time that the acclaimed writer has made it to the Man Booker shortlist. His earlier novel, “The Reluctant Fundamentalist,” was also shortlisted for the prize in 2007 and was made into a feature film by Indian director Mira Nair.
US author Paul Auster tops the short list, whereas British author Ali Smith makes the shortlist for the fourth time with “Autumn.”
Paul Auster nominated for “4321”, is up against two other Americans — short story writer George Saunders, for his first full-length novel “Lincoln in the Bardo”, and debut writer Emily Fridlund with “History of Wolves.”
Briton Fiona Mozley, 29, is the youngest nominee with her first book, “Elmet.”
The Man Booker is the world’s most prestigious English-language literary award and the winner is guaranteed a huge increase in global sales that dwarfs the £50,000 (55,400 euros, $66,400) prize.
“With six unique and intrepid books that collectively push against the borders of the convention, this year’s shortlist both acknowledge established authors and introduces new voices to the literary stage,” said Baroness Lola Young, who chairs the judging panel.
“Playful, sincere, unsettling, fierce: here is a group of novels grown from tradition but also radical and contemporary.
The winner will be announced on October 17 in London. Previous winners of the prize, launched in 1969, include Ian McEwan, Iris Murdoch, and Salman Rushdie.
