The Booker Prize, an esteemed literary accolade in the English-speaking world, celebrated its 2019 winners – Margaret Atwood and Bernardine Evaristo. In an unprecedented move breaking with tradition, the award was divided between two authors. Previously untouched rules stipulated that there could only be one winner. However, judges of the 2019 Booker Prize found that they couldn’t separate the literary merit of Atwood’s ‘The Testament’ and Evaristo’s ‘Girl, Woman, Other.’ As a result, both authors were jointly awarded.
Margaret Atwood and Bernardine Evaristo: Unified Winners
Margaret Atwood, a venerated author from Canada, shares this accolade with Bernardine Evaristo, a British writer. Atwood’s winning novel, ‘The Testament,’ is a compelling follow-up to her widely acclaimed book, ‘The Handmaid’s Tale.’ Evaristo, on the other hand, made history in a different way as she became the first black woman to receive the prestigious award. Her novel ‘Girl, Woman, Other’ follows the interconnected lives of twelve characters, primarily black British women, over several decades.
The Significance of the Booker Prize
Inaugurated more than 50 years ago, The Booker Prize is an annual ritual, celebrating the best novel of the year written in English, and published either in the United Kingdom or Ireland. The prize doesn’t only bestow recognition and remuneration to contemporary authors of remarkable fiction but also promises them an expanded readership. Being nominated for the Booker is considered an achievement in itself; winning it can dramatically boost an author’s career.
Booker Prize 2019: Breaking the Norms
The rules of The Booker Prize have always been clear: The award must not be divided. However, 2019 marked a turning point in the history of this venerated literary award. The judges insisted on sharing the prize between Margaret Atwood and Bernardine Evaristo, signaling an irrevocable conviction in the merit of both pieces of literature.
Table of Facts
| Year | Award | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | The Booker Prize | Margaret Atwood & Bernardine Evaristo |
| 2018 | The Booker Prize | Anna Burns |
| 2017 | The Booker Prize | George Saunders |
| 2016 | The Booker Prize | Paul Beatty |
| 2015 | The Booker Prize | Marlon James |
Impact of the Unprecedented Joint Win
The decision to split the Booker Prize between Atwood and Evaristo has garnered significant attention, primarily due to the streak broken by sharing the award. Moreover, Evaristo’s win underscores the celebration of diversity in literature, acknowledging the voice of black women, and amplifying their representation. This move will likely influence the landscape of the literary world, hinting at more inclusivity and recognition for diverse narratives in the future.
