Who is Paul Lynch? Who won 2023 Booker Prize? Know about the novel 'Prophet Song'

 Who won the Booker Prize 2023?

Irish writer Paul Lynch was honored with this year's Booker Prize for his dystopian book 'Prophet Song' during a grand event at Old Billingsgate on Sunday. This novel marks his fifth publication, chronicling the journey of Eilish Stack, the protagonist struggling to safeguard her family in a gradually totalitarian Ireland. Upon receiving the accolade, Paul Lynch expressed, "Creating this book wasn't a simple task. I felt a part of me feared it might negatively impact my career. However, I felt compelled to write this story. Sometimes, we're left with no choice in these matters."

What is 'Prophet Song'?

'Prophet Song' immerses readers in the refugee experience, following Stack's urgent quest for safety beyond Ireland's borders. It portrays an Ireland plagued by severe oppression, where venturing onto the waters might be less hazardous than remaining on land. However, Edugyan emphasized that the judges sought a work embodying a sense of "timelessness."

Prophet Song 

Paul Lynch joins the ranks as the fifth Irish writer to clinch the Booker Prize in the competition's 54-year history. Historically, Irish authors have frequently appeared on the longlists and shortlists, showcasing their literary prowess. This year was no different, featuring four out of thirteen longlisted authors from Ireland. Alongside Lynch, Elaine Feeney's 'How to Build a Boat', Paul Murray's 'The Bee Sting', and Sebastian Barry's 'Old God's Time' were also among the shortlisted works.

What has been depictured by 'Prophet Song'?

'Prophet Song' follows the journey of main character Eilish Stack, endeavoring to shield her family in Ireland as the nation descends into totalitarianism.

Who is Paul Lynch?

Irish author Paul Lynch has been awarded the prestigious 2023 Booker Prize for his book 'Prophet Song'. This victory marks him as the fifth Irish writer to achieve this esteemed accolade in the Booker Prize's extensive 54-year legacy.

Paul Lynch 

Lynch was born on May 9, 1977, in Limerick, located in the southwest of Ireland. His family hailed from Limerick and other regions within County Limerick. However, at the age of nine months, his family relocated to the northern part of County Donegal in Ulster, Ireland's northern province, where he spent his upbringing. Since 1995, he hasn't resided in County Donegal.

He pursued studies in English and Philosophy at University College Dublin but did not finish his degree. A longtime resident of Dublin, Lynch previously held positions as the deputy chief sub-editor and chief film critic for The Sunday Tribune before transitioning to a career in fiction writing.

Awards of Paul Lynch.

Booker Prize winner Paul Lynch won many awards, here is the list -

2013: Best Newcomer at Bord Gais Irish Books of the Year, shortlisted.

2014: Prix du Premier Roman, nominated.

2015: Prix du Roman Fnac, nominated.

2015: Prix Femina, nominated.

2016: Ireland Francophonie Ambassadors' Literary Award, shortlisted.

2016: Prix des Lecteurs Privat, winner.

2016: Prix Libra Nous for Best Foreign Novel, winner.

2018: The Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year Award, winner.

2018: The Walter Scott Prize, shortlisted.

2018: The William Saroyan International Prize, shortlisted.

2019: Prix Litterature Monde, shortlisted.

2019: Prix Jean-Monnet de Litterature Europeenne, shortlisted.

2020: Ireland Francophonie Ambassadors' Literary Award, winner.

2022: Prix Gens de Mer, winner.

2023: Booker Prize, winner.

Novels of Paul Lynch.

• ‌Red Sky in Morning. London: Quercus, 2013. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2013
• ‌The Black Snow. London: Quercus, 2014. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2015
• ‌Grace. London: Oneworld Publications, 2017. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2017
• ‌Beyond the Sea. London: Oneworld Publications, 2019. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2020
• ‌Prophet Song. London: Oneworld Publications, 2023.