US writer George Saunders wins Man Booker Prize

By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal

LONDON (AA) - American author George Saunders was late Tuesday named winner of the prestigious Man Booker Prize for his fictional work, Lincoln in the Bardo.

“The form and style of this utterly original novel, reveals a witty, intelligent, and deeply moving narrative,” said Baroness Young, 2017 Chair of judges.

“This tale of the haunting and haunted souls in the afterlife of Abraham Lincoln’s young son paradoxically creates a vivid and lively evocation of the characters that populate this other world.

“Lincoln in the Bardo is both rooted in, and plays with history, and explores the meaning and experience of empathy.”

Saunders is the second American author to receive the prestigious literary award.

Along with a trophy, George was presented with a check for £50,000.

He also received a designer bound edition of his book and an additional £2,500 for being shortlisted.

Saunders has written short stories, essays, novellas, children's books and a novel.

The famous short story writer’s book is his first full-length novel.