Man Booker Prize 2014: Richard Flanagan's The Narrow Road To The Deep North wins the day
AUSTRALIAN author Richard Flanagan won this year’s Man Booker Prize last night for his novel The Narrow Road To The Deep North.
It was inspired by his father’s experiences as a Second World War prisoner of war.
Flanagan, 53, who lives in Tasmania, was presented with the £50,000 prize at an awards dinner at London’s Guildhall by the Duchess of Cornwall.
A good writer needs a good rubbish bin
Flanagan’s father, a Japanese prisoner of war who survived Burma’s so-called Death Railway where the book is set, died aged 98 the day the novel was finished.
This was the 46th year of the award and the first time American authors were allowed to enter the prize.
Speaking after his win, he said he had burnt five previous attempts at telling the story. He added: “A good writer needs a good rubbish bin.”
Judges’ chairman AC Grayling, described it as “an absolutely superb novel”.