Published in April by Europa Editions, the novel is set near Pretoria, South Africa, and tells the story of three siblings who lose touch after the death of their matriarch.
“It’s taken a long while to get here and now that I have, I kind of feel that I shouldn’t be here,” said Galgut, previously shortlisted for the British prize, in his acceptance speech.
“But seeing as the good fortune has fallen to me, let me say this has been a great year for African writing,” the South African writer continued.
“I’d like to accept this on behalf of all the stories told and untold, the writers heard and unheard, from the remarkable continent that I’m part of,” he said.
During the live event, BBC writer and broadcaster Samira Ahmed interviewed Stuart, asking what it was like to win a major award with a debut novel during a pandemic that precluded a worldwide tour.
“It’s very, very unreal,” Stuart said.
Okri said that in the 30 years since he won, the prizes have “become more inclusive …