Booker Prize 2024: Six shortlisted authors tackle the ‘fault lines of our times’

Kazuo Ishiguro, Salman Rushdie, and Shehan Karunatilaka among those in the running for prestigious literary award

The six shortlisted authors for the 2024 Booker Prize have been announced, with the judges praising their works for tackling the "fault lines of our times."

The shortlisted authors are:

• NoViolet Bulawayo for "Glory"
• Damon Galgut for "The Promise"
• Kazuo Ishiguro for "Klara and the Sun"
• Shehan Karunatilaka for "The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida"
• Percival Everett for "The Trees"
• Salman Rushdie for "Victory City"

The judges said that the shortlisted books "explore the most urgent issues of our time," including climate change, racism, and the refugee crisis.

"These are books that are both timely and timeless, and they will continue to be read and discussed for years to come," said chair of the judges Neil MacGregor.

The winner of the Booker Prize will be announced on October 17, 2024.

NoViolet Bulawayo: 'Glory'

NoViolet Bulawayo's "Glory" is a searing indictment of poverty and inequality in Zimbabwe.

The novel follows the story of Glory, a young girl who is forced to leave her home in the slums of Harare to live with her aunt in America.

Bulawayo's writing is both lyrical and unflinching, and she paints a vivid picture of the struggles faced by ordinary Zimbabweans.

Damon Galgut: 'The Promise'

Damon Galgut's "The Promise" is a family saga that spans four decades of South African history.

The novel tells the story of the Swart family, white farmers who are forced to confront the changing political landscape of their country.

Galgut's writing is both compassionate and insightful, and he creates a cast of characters that are both flawed and unforgettable.

Kazuo Ishiguro: 'Klara and the Sun'

Kazuo Ishiguro's "Klara and the Sun" is a thought-provoking novel about artificial intelligence and the nature of humanity.

The novel follows the story of Klara, an artificial friend who is purchased by a teenage girl named Josie.

Ishiguro's writing is both lyrical and philosophical, and he explores the complex relationship between humans and machines.

Shehan Karunatilaka: 'The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida'

Shehan Karunatilaka's "The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida" is a darkly comic novel about death and reincarnation in Sri Lanka.

The novel follows the story of Maali Almeida, a war photographer who is murdered and sent to the afterlife.

Karunatilaka's writing is both witty and poignant, and he creates a vivid picture of the afterlife.

Percival Everett: 'The Trees'

Percival Everett's "The Trees" is a satirical novel about race and the American South.

The novel follows the story of a group of black farmers who are terrorized by a group of white supremacists.

Everett's writing is both sharp and funny, and he skewers the racism and violence that is still prevalent in the United States.

Salman Rushdie: 'Victory City'

Salman Rushdie's "Victory City" is an epic novel that spans centuries and continents.

The novel follows the story of a young woman named Pampa Kampana, who is reincarnated as various characters throughout history.

Rushdie's writing is both lyrical and philosophical, and he creates a kaleidoscopic vision of the human experience.