International Booker Prize 2024: Winners From 2015 To 2024
International Booker Prize 2024:?The winner of the International Booker Prize 2024 was announced at London’s Tate Modern on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. German author Jenny Erpenback and translator jointly won the prize for the book ‘Kairos’.
‘Kairos’, originally written in German by Jenny Erpenback and translated into English by Michael Hofmann, tells the story of a young woman and an older married man in 1980s East Berlin. Their love reflects the turbulent times of that era.
Jenny Erpenback is the first German to win the International Booker Prize for Fiction, and Michael Hofmann is the first male translator to win the award.
The International Booker Prize is given annually to the best work of fiction translated into English from any language. The prize recognises the importance of translators, with the prize money split equally between the author and translator.
What is the prize money for the International Booker Prize?
Winning the International Booker Prize can significantly enhance a book's global recognition and readership. The prize, valued at ?50,000 (INR 52,95,090), is divided equally between the author and the translator to recognize their joint efforts and equal contribution.
This prize aims to encourage more reading of quality fiction from all over the world, and has already had an impact on those statistics in the UK. The vital work of translators is celebrated, with the ?50,000 prize money divided equally between the author and translator. Each shortlisted author and translator also receives ?2,500.
The International Booker Prize and its history
The International Booker Prize is given out every year for a single book, translated into English and published in the UK or Ireland. Initially called the Man Booker International Prize when it started in 2005, it was awarded every two years for a body of work, and it wasn't required for the work to be in a language other than English. Early winners included authors like Alice Munro, Lydia Davis, and Philip Roth, alongside Ismail Kadare and Laszlo Krasznahorkai.
In 2015, the rules of the original Booker Prize expanded to allow writers of any nationality to enter, as long as their books were written in English and published in the UK. This prompted a change in the International Prize, which now mirrors the English-language prize, being awarded annually for a single book written in another language and translated into English.
The goal of this prize is to promote more reading of high-quality fiction from around the world, and it has already influenced reading habits in the UK. The important role of translators is highlighted, with the ?50,000 prize money being split equally between the author and translator. Additionally, each shortlisted author and translator receives ?2,500.
International Booker Prize Winners List from the Last Decade
The International Booker Prize honours exceptional fiction translated into English, acknowledging the contributions of both the author and the translator. This esteemed accolade underscores the significance of literature from diverse cultures, serving to connect people across linguistic boundaries. Let's delve into the winners from the last decade, offering a glimpse into the diverse and vibrant tapestry of global storytelling.
1. 2024: Jenny Erpenbeck - Kairos, Country: Germany, Translator: Michael Hofmann, Language: German
Jenny Erpenbeck's 'Kairos' explores a complex love story set in 1980s East Berlin, delving into themes of love and tumultuous times. Michael Hofmann's translation expertly conveys Erpenbeck's vision, making it accessible to English-speaking readers.
2. 2023: Georgi Gospodinov - Time Shelter, Country: Bulgaria, Translator: Angela Rodel, Language: Bulgarian
Gospodinov's novel imagines a unique therapy clinic for Alzheimer's patients, blending history and personal memory. Angela Rodel's translation captures the intricate exploration of memory and identity, maintaining its emotional depth.
3. 2022: Geetanjali Shree - Tomb of Sand, Country: India, Translator: Daisy Rockwell, Language: Hindi
Shree's 'Tomb of Sand' follows an elderly woman's journey of self-discovery, exploring themes of loss and transformation. Daisy Rockwell's translation vividly captures the novel's cultural richness and profound prose.
4. 2021: David Diop - At Night All Blood is Black, Country: France, Translator: Anna Moschovakis, Language: French
Diop's poignant novel delves into madness and violence during World War I, portraying a Senegalese soldier's psychological turmoil. Anna Moschovakis's translation masterfully brings the harrowing experiences to life.
5. 2020: Marieke Lucas Rijneveld - The Discomfort of Evening, Country: Netherlands, Translator: Michele Hutchison, Language: Dutch
Rijneveld's debut novel explores grief and guilt in a strict religious family in rural Netherlands. Michele Hutchison's translation beautifully conveys the novel's emotional intensity and stark prose.
6. 2019: Jokha Alharthi - Celestial Bodies, Country: Oman, Translator: Marilyn Booth, Language: Arabic
Alharthi's novel portrays social changes in Oman through the lives of three sisters, weaving personal and national history. Marilyn Booth's translation captures the text's cultural richness and emotional depth.
7. 2018: Olga Tokarczuk - Flights, Country: Poland, Translator: Jennifer Croft, Language: Polish
Tokarczuk's 'Flights' is a blend of fiction and essays exploring travel and the passage of time. Jennifer Croft's translation preserves the book's experimental structure and poetic language.
8. 2017: David Grossman - A Horse Walks Into a Bar, Country: Israel, Translator: Jessica Cohen, Language: Hebrew
Grossman's novel unfolds in a comedy club, examining pain, humour, and redemption. Jessica Cohen's translation adeptly captures the nuances of Grossman's writing.
9. 2016: Han Kang - The Vegetarian, Country: South Korea, Translator: Deborah Smith, Language: Korean
Kang's haunting novel explores rebellion and control through a woman's decision to stop eating meat. Deborah Smith's translation conveys the narrative's lyrical quality and emotional depth.
10. 2015: László Krasznahorkai - Seiobo There Below, Country: Hungary, Translator: George Szirtes and Ottilie Mulzet, Language: Hungarian
Krasznahorkai's interconnected stories delve into art, spirituality, and humanity's quest for the divine. Szirtes and Mulzet's translation captures the intricate prose and profound themes, making them accessible to English-speaking readers.
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