The Strange Case of Vernon God Little, The Booker Prize Podcast: Episode 5

What exactly is a Booker novel Some might jump to a specific kind of highminded, serious fiction, while others argue for a broader definition inclusive of more mainstream novels. Over the years, the pendulum has swung between the two and in 2003, DBC Pierre s darkly comic debut novel about an acerbic, foulmouthed 15yearold boy who goes on the run after a mass shooting at his Texas high school, was awarded the prize. 20 years after its win, we take a closer look at the novel and why it was an unexpected winner. In this episode, Jo and James talk about: Their childhood reading inspirations A brief and slightly spoilery summary of the novel The reaction to its 2003 Man Booker Prize win The author behind the novel Whether Vernon God Little stands up to reading 20 years after its release Books to read after reading Vernon God Little Books and authors discussed in this episode: Matilda by Roald Dahl Rudyard Kipling Charles Dickens Vladi