Montreal-born author David Szalay has been awarded the Booker Prize for his novel "Flesh." The prestigious U.K. literary award recognizes the best original English-language novel published in the U.K. and Ireland. Szalay's work was praised for its concise language and compelling narrative, which follows the life of István, a Hungarian man who experiences emotional detachment while navigating the complexities of life and social status. Szalay, 51, was born in Montreal to a Canadian mother and a Hungarian father. His family moved to England when he was just a year old. He currently divides his time between Austria and Hungary. The Booker Prize, valued at approximately $90,000, was awarded to Szalay after he was selected from a pool of 153 submitted novels. The judging panel, which included notable figures such as Irish writer Roddy Doyle and actress Sarah Jessica Parker, unanimously chose "Flesh" after a five-hour deliberation. Doyle described the novel as "about living, and the strangeness of living," highlighting its unique approach to storytelling. The book chronicles István's journey from a troubled youth to a life of privilege, ultimately leading to his downfall. Doyle noted that the judges were captivated by the book's distinctiveness. "The book we kept coming back to, the one that stood out from the other great novels, was – because of its singularity. We had never read anything quite like it. It is, in many ways, a dark book but it is a joy to read," he said. Szalay's narrative style has drawn both praise and criticism. Some readers appreciate the sparse writing and the way it reveals character depth without overt exposition. Others have expressed frustration with the gaps in István's story, where significant life events occur off the page. "We loved the spareness of the writing," Doyle remarked. "Watching this man grow, age, and learning so much about him – despite him, in a way. If the gaps were filled, it would be less of a book." Szalay previously received a Booker Prize nomination in 2016 for his collection of stories titled "All That Man Is." He has also won other literary awards, including the Gordon Burn Prize. The Booker Prize, established in 1969, has a history of elevating authors' careers. Past winners include literary giants such as Salman Rushdie, Ian McEwan, and Margaret Atwood, who last won the prize in 2019. Szalay's victory marks the first time a Canadian has won the Booker Prize since Atwood's co-win. Szalay expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating that the award is significant for both his career and book sales. He reflected on his upbringing in Canada and his connection to his Canadian roots, despite living most of his life in Europe. As Szalay continues to gain recognition for his work, he remains focused on his writing and the stories he wishes to tell. His latest achievement with "Flesh" solidifies his place in contemporary literature and highlights the complexities of identity and experience in a globalized world.