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McEwan makes Booker shortlist

06/09/2007

Ian McEwan is one of six authors named today on the shortlist for the Man Booker Prize.

He is nominated for his book On Chesil Beach, which explores the sexual politics of the 1960s through the eyes of a young married couple.

The decision has caused controversy due to its length; at less than 200 pages some have described it as a novella – a form of literature that is not eligible for the prestigious competition.

McEwan is no stranger to the Booker Prize, shortlisted books in previous years include The Comfort of Strangers, Black Dogs and Atonement. His novel Amsterdam won the award in 1998.

Also nominated are Nicola Barker (Darkmans), Anne Enright (The Gathering), Mohsin Hamid (The Reluctant Fundamentalist), Lloyd Jones (Master Pip) and Indra Sinha (Animal's People).

Howard Davies, chair of the judges, commented: "Selecting a shortlist this year from what was widely seen as an exciting longlist was a tough challenge.

"We hope the choices we have made after passionate and careful consideration will attract wide interest."

The winner of the award – to be announced on October 16th – will be handed £50,000, while each shortlisted author receives £2,500.