Wilbur Smith pokes fun at literary prize juries
 |
| © www.wilbursmithbooks.com |
Bestselling author Wilbur Smith is currently in India to promote his 33rd novel Those in Peril. I read just one of his fat books, Rage, a long time ago. In an interview to The Crest Edition of The Times of India, the Africa-born novelist had an interesting take on book awards and prize juries. To a question whether he kept up with book lists and book awards, Smith replied, tongue in cheek, "Indeed, I do. For instance, I look upon the Booker Prize shortlist as a red alert warning of books to be avoided at all costs." And, did he think it fair that literary prize juries take a rather condescending view of pulp fiction? "Not at all. Literary prize juries are exclusive little clubs of non-selling writers awarding each other consolation prizes. I think it is rather sweet and funny."
You can read the full interview at The Crest Edition.
You can read the full interview at The Crest Edition.
I've read a couple of his older books and liked them quite a lot. Haven't read anything more recent by him.
ReplyDeleteBoth the so called literary and pulp fiction group are always condescending of each other. One seeks the big bucks the other gets, while the other seeks the critical acclaim, but outwardly they are dismissive of each other.
ReplyDeleteCharles, neither have I read anything after RAGE. Every time you think of Smith, you think of Africa's sweeping landscape.
ReplyDeleteWordsBeyondBorders, I remember king of pulp Harold Robbins used to be "dismissive" about literary groups and prizes. His argument was the same: i sell more.
ReplyDeleteI used to read him in days gone by but haven't for quite a while. Maybe I should go back and pick one up.
ReplyDeleteMystica, an occasional pulp fiction has never harmed. A few months ago I reread A STONE FOR DANNY FISHER by Harold Robbins and it just didn't hold.
ReplyDelete