Canadian-British novelist David Szalay’s novel “Flesh,” in which judges say the sparse prose cuts straight to the bone, has made the short list for the Booker Prize.

The sparely written book, an unconventional rags-to-riches tale, is one of six finalists for the prestigious U.K. award.

Through a series of episodes, the book tells the story of a socially isolated young man from his origins in the housing projects of Hungary to the upper echelons of English society — but Booker judge Roddy Doyle says the plot isn’t the point.

“It’s the way the story is told,” he said onstage at a ritzy event in London to announce the prize finalists.

Juror Kiley Reid said the book’s sparse style propels the reader forward.

“It’s just the bones. It’s just so lean, and that’s how the structure is as well,

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