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 high-minded, 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, foul-mouthed 15-year-old 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 spoiler-y – 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