Canadian novelist Esi Edugyan named finalist for Man Booker Prize

The book was also longlisted for this year’s Scotiabank Giller Prize on Monday.

Others chosen for the Man Booker short list include two first novels: U.K. poet Robin Robertson’s verse novel “The Long Take” and “Everything Under” by British writer Daisy Johnson. At 27, Johnson is the youngest-ever Booker finalist.

The American finalists are Rachel Kushner’s prison story “The Mars Room” and Richard Powers’ tree-inspired tale “The Overstory” with the troubles-set story “Milkman” by Northern Ireland writer Anna Burns round out the list.

Edugyan previously appeared on the Man Booker short list in 2011 with her book “Half-Blood Blues,” which focused on a black jazz musician who goes missing after being arrested in Nazi Germany during the Second World War.

A representative for Edugyan said the author was unavailable to comment on the recognition for “Washington Black” because she was currently on tour promoting the book.

In an interview last month, the author said making the Man Booker long list was “wonderful.”

“I’m blown away by it,” she said at the time. “It raises the visibility of the book and that’s great.”

The winner of the 50,000 pound (C$85,500) prize will be announced on Oct. 16 during a black-tie dinner at London’s Guildhall.

Favourites including Canada’s Michael Ondaatje didn’t make the cut from the 13-novel long list.

— with files from The Associated Press.

David Friend, The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Canadian novelist Esi Edugyan named finalist for Man Booker Prize

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