To win a contest for historical fiction, you need to have a great story. Make sure your plot is engaging and based on accurate historical facts. Also, your characters should be well - developed and believable.
The book should be of high literary quality. This involves things like beautiful language use and effective storytelling techniques. Moreover, it can be beneficial if the book has some cultural or historical significance. If it can add to the understanding of a particular era or culture, like 'To Kill a Mockingbird' did for the American South in the 1930s, it has a better chance. And the author might need some good luck too, as there are often many great books competing for the same prizes.
First off, your costume has to be really detailed and accurate. Pay attention to every little aspect, from the fabric to the accessories. Also, make sure your makeup and hairstyle match the character perfectly.
First, have a clear understanding of the contest theme. Then, do extensive research if needed. Polish your writing, check for grammar errors, and make the story emotionally resonant with readers.
I'm not sure exactly, but there haven't been a huge number. The Booker Prize is highly competitive, and novels set in India don't always dominate the awards.
Maybe the story from 1933 had a unique charm. It could be that the story had a very original plot or theme that was different from the others in the contest. The writing style might also have been very engaging, using language in a creative way that caught the judges' attention.