Man Booker Prize 2025: The story of David Salaia’s victory and his book Flesh
11 November 2025 06:30
British-Hungarian writer David Salai has won the Man Booker Prize 2025 for his sixth novel, Flesh, which was recognized as the best English-language book of the year. This was reported on the prize’s website, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
The winner was announced at a ceremony in London, to which all six shortlisted authors were invited. The best book was named on stage by the chairman of the jury, Roddy Doyle.
Who is David Salai?
David Salai was born in Canada to a Hungarian and a Canadian mother. As a child, he moved to Beirut and later to London. Later, the writer lived in Hungary, and now he permanently resides with his family in Vienna, Austria.
His literary career is marked by five previous novels, but it was his sixth work, Flesh, that won him international recognition and a prestigious award.
About the novel “Flesh”
The book tells the story of a 15-year-old teenager from Hungary who becomes a driver and bodyguard for the wealthy in London. The novel describes the dark, complex realities of a teenager’s life and his moral choices.
The Man Booker Prize jury noted that it was the depth and unpredictability of the plot that made the reading the most exciting. The author admitted that working on the book was emotionally challenging and risky.
The significance of the award
The Man Booker Prize is one of the most prestigious literary awards in the world, which annually recognizes the best English-language novels. David Salai’s victory gives a new impetus to his work and draws attention to contemporary British-Hungarian literature.
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