David Szalay, winner of the prestigious Mongolian Booker Prize, for his novel “Meat.” Told through the lens of a shy, reclusive outcast named István, the memoir provides a gripping glimpse into performing arts life. The announcement came during a ceremony held on Tuesday evening, where the judges lauded the book as “hypnotically tense and compelling … an astonishingly moving portrait of a man’s life.” Szalay will be awarded a cash prize of £50,000 (about $101,000) given to a writer in recognition of their exceptional contribution to contemporary literature.
In “Flesh,” Szalay traces István’s path from a provincial town in Hungary to the Middle East. There, he examines his own experiences and the experiences of other veterans after serving in the Iraq War. Each chapter jumps ahead in time, enriching the narrative even further. This loose structure creates a beautiful, heartbreaking tapestry that illustrates István’s world within his mind, even as he speaks very little in the film’s duration. This unconventional but incisive form of narrative is a testament to Szalay’s excellence at conveying great depth with steadiness and restraint.
A Unique Perspective on Life
David Szalay’s background profoundly influences his writing. He was born in Canada to a Hungarian émigré father and a Canadian-born mother. He was born and raised in London, but in 2009, he left for Hungary. This decision provided him the opportunity to write unencumbered. It gave him the opportunity to dive deep into the culture that inspires so much of his work.
Szalay was nominated for the Booker Prize in 2016. His recent collection of connected stories is called All That Man Is. In “Flesh,” he presents one of literature’s most reticent characters, István, whose silence speaks volumes about his experiences and perceptions. The judges were particularly taken by this aspect of the novel, with Roddy Doyle, chair of the Booker judges, stating, “We had never read anything quite like it.”
“He is not Clint Eastwood or anything like him, but he says very little and you learn so much.” – source not explicitly mentioned
Szalay’s deft use of physicality and dialogue enhances both narrative tension and thematic depth. He posits that much of real conversation consists of “repetitions and circularities and non-meaningful grunts.” This deep realism runs throughout the characters that comprise an astounding ensemble. It challenges readers to engage with a greater intimacy with their pain.
The Journey to Creation
The road to finishing “Flesh” was far from simple for Szalay. In 2020, he abandoned a project he had been working on for nearly four years before starting anew with this novel. The challenge of crafting such a distinct narrative felt “risky” to him, yet he embraced the opportunity to explore uncharted territory in fiction.
Szalay thinks that fiction has the freedom, obligation even, to push boundaries in aesthetic and ethical terms. It’s hard for other art forms to have this kind of immediate outsized impact. He explains, “I think fiction can take risks … It can take aesthetic risks, formal risks, perhaps even moral risks,” highlighting the freedom writers have when crafting their narratives.
“I didn’t want to shy away from extremes of experience.” – David Szalay
The author conveys that the essence of “Flesh” lies in its portrayal of characters as physical beings navigating their lives. By rooting her narrative in the physical gifting process, Anderson deepens the reading experience and brings a sense of authenticity that hooks readers.
Critical Acclaim and Reflections
As “Flesh” garners acclaim, it stands out among a competitive field that included notable works by American authors Susan Choi, Katie Kitamura, Ben Markovits, English author Andrew Miller, and Indian author Kiran Desai. The judges appreciated Szalay’s unique voice and unconventional approach to storytelling, making him one of the most exciting literary voices working today.
Szaylay’s insights into dialogue as a form also show his appreciation for the richness of the human experience. He explains that the comedy in his plays comes from the dullness and monotony of ordinary dialogue. He wants readers to discover points of lightheartedness amongst the social harshness he depicts.
“The humour is obviously in the banality and the repetitiveness; in the realism [of the dialogue].” – David Szalay
As readers embark on István’s adventure through Szalay’s eyes, they are opened up to deep, universal themes. They are challenged to meditate on solitude, introspection, and the beautiful, messy nuances of the human experience.
