So, the latest news that’s doing the rounds in the publishing arena is about the Man Booker Prize. I’m sure that many of you are aware what this Man Booker Prize is. But those who have no idea, it is a literary prize awarded every year for the best original full-length novel, written in the English language, by a citizen of the Commonwealth of Nations, the Republic of Ireland, or Zimbabwe. Note the geographic restriction of the author here!
So, the buzz is that Man Booker Prize is now open for all the writers worldwide. Yes, this is as per the new rules of eligibility for Man Booker Prize. But, let me point out the already stated rule i.e. the novel should be published in the UK. The condition stays valid even now; just that it now doesn’t point out your nationality. So, it actually doesn’t really make much difference, right? I mean if you look at it, only America is the major player that will make its entry for the Booker Prize next year. But then, something is better than nothing, I would say.
But this is just not the end of the story. While some literati choose to differ, I think this decision of global expansion is going to enhance its international appeal. They say, it’s a step to settle the score between Booker Prize and Folio Prize (As we all know The Folio Prize is the first major English language book prize open to writers from around the world). Some others say by taking such a step, Man Booker Prize is just going to lose its distinctiveness.
Having said that let me tell you that I’m not going to be biased here. As I’m not into books, I can’t really comment on whether it’s going to lose its charm or not. But the fact that the prize is of great importance to the book trade makes me want to present my case as per my wisdom. My take is that this step surely increases the competition. But this increase in competition will result in nothing but greater accolades. Don’t you think so?
On the whole I would say this change is going to make a huge difference in the world of English literature. As far as I’m concerned, I’m totally up for this it as long as the best one takes away the prize.
