Irish author Claire Keegan has been shortlisted for the Booker Prize for her novel ‘Small Things Like These’.
One of the most prestigious literary awards in the world has six novels on its shortlist.
The novel “Small Things Including These,” which takes place in Wexford in 1985, explores issues like family and the Magdelene Laundries.
The book was described by the judges as “a story of quiet bravery, set in an Irish community in denial of its central secret. Beautiful, clear, economic writing and an elegant structure dense with moral themes”.
British author Alan Garner has become the oldest writer to be shortlisted for the prize with his book ‘Treacle Walker’.
The judges’ choice for the best piece of long-form fiction that has been published in the UK and Ireland is given the Booker Prize.
Each shortlisted author receives £2500, while the winner receives £50,000.
Keegan’s novel, published by Faber, is shortlisted alongside NoViolet Bulawayo for Glory, Percival Everett for The Trees, Alan Garner for Treacle Walker, Shehan Karunatilaka for The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida, and Elizabeth Strout for Oh William!
The winner will be announced on Monday, October 17th, at the first in-person Booker Prize ceremony since 2019.
The six shortlisted authors each receive £2,500 (€2,900) and a bound edition of their book. The winner will receive £50,000 (€58,000), as well as international recognition and an expected jump in sales.