What makes historical fiction Booker Prize - winning works stand out?

One factor is the quality of writing. Booker Prize novels often have excellent prose, with vivid descriptions and engaging language. For example, the way the authors use words to create atmosphere and bring characters to life.

Well, often it's the depth of the characters. In a Booker Prize crime novel, the characters are not just there to solve or commit crimes. They are complex individuals with their own backstories, motives, and emotions. For example, in a novel like 'The God of Small Things', the characters' personal traumas and family history are deeply intertwined with the events that could be considered as part of a crime narrative.

One key aspect is their exploration of deep themes. Novels like 'Disgrace' by J. M. Coetzee deal with complex moral and social issues. The characters are well - developed, and the language is rich, which helps in bringing out the essence of the story. Also, many of these novels offer a fresh perspective on different cultures or historical periods.

These fictions usually have high - quality writing. The language is refined and can create vivid images. Take 'Midnight's Children' for instance. Rushdie's use of language is both magical and thought - provoking, with his unique way of telling a story that spans generations.

Well, one characteristic is in - depth research. These books are usually based on solid historical knowledge. For example, books set in specific historical periods like the Victorian era will accurately portray the social norms, fashion, and political situations of that time. Another is the unique narrative voice. They often use a distinct voice to tell the story, which might be from the perspective of an ordinary person living through historical events.

Eleanor Catton, the winner in 2013, stood out because of her complex narrative in 'The Luminaries'. It was a unique structure that was not commonly seen.

Unique themes. For example, a book might deal with a rarely explored aspect of human nature like in 'Interpreter of Maladies' which looks at the often unspoken feelings of immigrants.

The depth of the themes. Bridport Prize winning short stories usually deal with profound topics such as mortality, identity, and the human condition. The writers explore these themes in a nuanced and thought - provoking way. They also use beautiful and evocative language that draws the reader into the story, making it a truly immersive experience. For instance, they might describe a character's inner turmoil with such precision that the reader can almost feel it themselves. And the well - crafted plots, with unexpected twists and turns, keep the readers on their toes.

The work that won the Man Booker Prize for fiction in 2018 was 'Milkman' written by Anna Burns. 'Milkman' is a story that delves deep into the life in Belfast. It shows the impact of the Troubles on the lives of ordinary people. The narrative is complex and engaging, which might be one of the reasons it got the award.

One characteristic is their high - quality writing. These books often display a mastery of language, with vivid descriptions and well - crafted sentences. For example, in 'The God of Small Things' by Arundhati Roy, the prose is lyrical and engaging.