Irish Author Paul Lynch won the 2023 Booker prize for friction for his novel Prophet Song, a dystopian work about an Ireland that descends into tyranny.

The Booker Prize, initially known as the Booker-McConnell Prize, is one of the most prestigious literary awards worldwide, recognizing the best novel written in the English language. Established in 1969, it was sponsored by the Booker-McConnell company and later became known as the Man Booker Prize following a sponsorship change in 2002. In 2019, it was renamed the Booker Prize after the Man Group withdrew its sponsorship.

Here are some key aspects of the Booker Prize:

1. Eligibility: Initially, the prize was open to authors from the UK, the Commonwealth, Ireland, and Zimbabwe. In 2014, the eligibility criteria expanded to include any English-language novel published in the UK or Ireland, regardless of the author's nationality.
2. Selection Process: A panel of judges is selected each year to read submissions and shortlist six books, culminating in the selection of one winner. The judging panel changes annually and consists of literary experts, critics, writers, and other figures from the literary world.
3. Impact and Prestige: Winning or being shortlisted for the Booker Prize often brings significant attention and acclaim to the author and their work, leading to increased book sales and international recognition.
4. Financial Reward: The winner of the Booker Prize receives a substantial cash award, enhancing the book's commercial success and the author's reputation.
5. Controversies and Debates: The Booker Prize has witnessed occasional controversies, including debates about the selection process, eligibility criteria, and the perceived impact of winning on literature and publishing.

The Booker Prize continues to be a highly regarded award in the literary world, celebrating outstanding literary achievements and contributing to the promotion and recognition of English-language fiction.