Paul Beatty has been announced as the first ever US Man Book Awardee. The book is caustic history satire novel proved best for readers.
Judges said Beatty’s book dines with the classic, which could be taken as a compliment for 'The Sellout.' It is being considered as the modern day Jonathan Swift and Mark Twain of the 20th Century literary works.
Historian Amanda Foreman on Foxnews described it as something that, "plunges into the heart of contemporary American society, and with absolutely savage wit — the kind I haven't seen since (Jonathan) Swift or (Mark) Twain."
The book is about an African-American protagonist who’s case trial reached the Supreme Court. He had unusual upbringing with only a father and a mixed heritage; he performed a feat of bringing back slavery in segregating his local high school. Satirical irony envelope the novel as it tickles the edge of society: politics, social norms, and family relationships.
The award’s prestige comes with $61,000 grand prize. The five judges historian Dr. Amanda Foreman, author Jon Day, novelist Abdulrazak Gurnah, author David Harsent, and actress Olivia Williams focused for hours as they shortlisted six novels. The other finalist were Graeme Macrae Burnet's 'His Bloody Project,' Deborah Levy's 'Hot Milk,' David Szalay's 'All That Man Is,' Madeleine Thien's 'Do Not Say We Have Nothing to Take Home the Prestigious Award,' and Ottessa Moshfegh's 'Eileen.'
Beatty on The Guardian said as he received the award: “I don’t want to get all dramatic, like writing saved my life ... but writing has given me a life.” His past experiences didn't undermine his love for writing, and it set a success for all American around the world.
