Flesh by David Szalay

 

Usually, I have no words for how horrified I am by the books which judges have selected to win a certain literature prize. (James by Percival Everett, which won the Pulitzer Prize this year, comes to mind as the most recent travesty.)

But, I have just closed the cover of Flesh, by David Szalay, and I am powerless to describe its impact. I am, after all, a reader, not a writer.

May I tell you, that without a doubt, it is the best book I have read all year. It is a masterpiece of fiction, outstanding in every way, and I would be remiss not to tell you this in my half forgotten blog. 

I applaud the judges for the Booker Prize 2025. They have awarded the prize to the most worthy piece of literature this year, restoring my faith in the recognition of truly outstanding writing. 

For that is what David Szalay has offered.