In a remarkable achievement that has captivated the literary world, author David Szalay has been awarded the prestigious Booker Prize 2025 for his novel Flesh. The announcement came on 10 November 2025, marking a significant moment for contemporary literature and establishing Szalay as a master of innovative storytelling.
The Anti-Novel That Defies Convention
Flesh represents what many critics are calling an 'anti-novel' – a work that follows the basic structure of narrative fiction while simultaneously subverting traditional expectations. Unlike conventional novels that rely on gripping plots to engage readers, Szalay's masterpiece draws readers in through its deliberate lack of stylistic flourishes and narrative signposts.
The novel creates a unique reading experience by presenting a story that appears straightforward on the surface while concealing deeper philosophical frameworks beneath its seemingly simple structure. Szalay cultivates what can only be described as a 'styleless style,' challenging readers to find meaning in what remains unsaid rather than what is explicitly stated.
István: The Extraordinary Ordinary Protagonist
At the heart of Flesh lies István, a protagonist distinguished by his complete lack of exceptional qualities. The character begins his journey as a misfit in Hungary, where he grows up feeling disconnected from his surroundings. His relocation to England as an adult does little to anchor him, as he remains emotionally unmoored despite significant changes in his circumstances.
István's life unfolds through a series of profound experiences that would typically transform most literary characters. At fifteen, he engages in an uncomfortable affair with an older neighbor, described by Szalay with clinical precision that leaves readers unsettled. This episode ends tragically, leading István to join the army, where he encounters violence and suffering without losing his characteristic equanimity.
His fortunes take an unexpected turn when he breaks through class barriers in London, experiencing wealth and comfort for several years before his luck changes again. Throughout these dramatic shifts, István maintains his poise, serving as what one Guardian reviewer described as a blend of Meursault from Camus' The Stranger and Forrest Gump.
A Booker Prize Decision That Celebrated Literary Courage
The 2025 Booker Prize judges faced an exceptionally challenging decision, with all six shortlisted titles presenting powerful and unique narratives. The competition included notable works such as Kiran Desai's The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, described as binge-worthy despite its 700-page length, and Katie Kitamura's Audition, a slim but impactful exploration of an actor's professional depths.
Other shortlisted novels included Andrew Miller's The Land in Winter, Susan Choi's Flashlight, and Ben Markovits' The Rest of Our Lives – all grappling intensely with life's fundamental questions about death, love, marriage, identity, and parenthood. However, none matched Flesh's groundbreaking originality and its ability to redefine literary boundaries.
What sets Szalay's work apart is his remarkable control over language, particularly evident in the long yet laconic exchanges between characters. The novel demonstrates that experimental fiction can remain accessible to mainstream readers while pushing artistic boundaries. As a compulsive page-turner, Flesh expands the possibilities of philosophical fiction by embedding its message between the lines, in the spaces between words, rather than through explicit explanations.
The Art of Showing Without Telling
Flesh stands as a masterclass in the writing principle of 'show, don't tell.' By denying readers direct access to his protagonist's inner life, Szalay creates a reading experience that is simultaneously challenging and inviting. The novel's limpid style encourages rapid page-turning while simultaneously compelling readers to pause, reflect, and reconsider what they've read.
This unique approach ensures that István's story continues to resonate long after the final page is turned, inviting ongoing interpretation and discussion. Szalay's achievement with Flesh proves that literary innovation and reader engagement need not be mutually exclusive, setting a new standard for what experimental fiction can achieve in the contemporary literary landscape.
The 2025 Booker Prize recognition solidifies David Szalay's position as a bold literary voice unafraid to challenge conventions while creating works that remain profoundly human and accessible. Flesh represents not just a prize-winning novel but a significant contribution to the evolution of literary form and expression.
