Wilbur Smith pokes fun at literary prize juries

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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.