Man Booker Prize

For the first time in its history, the Man Booker Prize was awarded to a U.S. author.  Paul Beatty won the prize for his novel “The Sellout.”  Beatty’s book is a satirical look at race relations in the United States.  Along with the honor of winning, Beatty will receive 50,000 pounds ($61,000).

This prize was previously open to only writers from Britain, Ireland, and the Commonwealth.  Part of the reason why U.S. authors were not previously considered was a concern that they might dominant the field.

Ottessa Moshfegh, another American, was also in the final running for the prize for her novel “Eileen.”