Paul Beatty Wins 2016 Man Booker Prize for 'The Sellout'

PAUL BEATTY
IMAGE: AFP

Paul Beatty became the first US author to win the Man Booker Prize on October 25. His book, The Sellout, a satire about a young Black man who attempts to revive slavery and segregation, beat out other shortlisted competitors including Vancouver author Madeleine Thien. Beatty received the £50,000 prize from the Duchess of Cornwall in London.

Amanda Foreman, chair of the judges, commented The Sellout on its ability to "eviscerate every social taboo." "This is a book that nails the reader to the cross with cheerful abandon," she continued, "but while you are being nailed you are being tickled.".

"This is a hard book," said Beatty in his acceptance speech. "It was a hard for me to write, I know it's hard to read. Everyone's coming at it from different angles."

The shortlisted authors each receive £2,500 and a specially bound edition of their book. The winner receives a further £50,000. Beatty is the first US author ever to win the prize after rules changed to allow American writers in 2014.