Howard Jacobson Wins Man Booker Prize

Posted on October 13, 2010

The Telegraph reports that Writer and broadcaster Howard Jacobson won the Man Booker Prize for Fiction for his 11th novel, The Finkler Question. Jacobson, 68, is the oldest writer to win the prize since William Golding in 1980. He overcame 10-1 odds to win the prize. Jacobson told the Telegraph that he is so tired of being described as "the underrated Howard Jacobson." He said "the thought that this judging panel has got rid of that forever is wonderful."

Jacobson also said, "I've waited a long time for this. There has been a little bit of bitterness, I would be a fool to pretend otherwise. But the bitterness has gone now. I've been discovered. I've been around for nearly 30 years, but at least they're discovering me. My new novel is about a writer enjoying no success whatsoever. So I'm in a bit of schtuck with that one."

Jacobson also joked that he would spend the entire 50,000 pound prize (about $80,000 U.S.) on a handbag for his wife.