LONDON : Szalai’s Flesh, praised for its minimalist prose and emotional depth, follows the journey of a man swept through decades of change, from modest beginnings in Hungary to the opulent homes of London’s elite. The novel captures themes of displacement, belonging, and the search for identity across borders.
“I really wanted to write a book that spans Hungary and London, and includes a character who wasn’t entirely at home in either place,” Szalai said after receiving the award.
Born in Canada and raised in England, Szalai has authored six literary works. He was previously shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2016 for All That Is in a Man, a novel chronicling the lives of nine men at different life stages.
The Booker Prize, carrying a £50,000 (US$67,000) reward, remains one of the most influential recognitions in global literature. Shortlisted authors and translators each receive £2,500, along with significant boosts in visibility and book sales.
Last year’s award went to British author Samantha Harvey for her novel Orbital.
David Szalai wins the 2025 Booker Prize for his novel Flesh, becoming the first Hungarian-British laureate. The book, celebrated for its minimalist prose and emotional depth, explores themes of displacement and identity through the journey of a man from Hungary to London's elite. Szalai, born in Canada and raised in England, has authored six literary works.