David Szalay, the recent Booker Prize winner, radiates warmth and humility, quite a contrast to the morally complex characters he creates. His novel, Flesh, tells the gripping story of a Hungarian immigrant navigating life in the UK, offering a fresh take on identity and struggle.
Szalay, who often laughs off his mixed heritage—Canadian and Hungarian—straddles cultures effortlessly. He spent years in Hungary and now resides in Vienna with his wife and son. This blend of backgrounds enriches his writing. As he says, “I’m arguably more Canadian than Hungarian,” yet his stories dive deep into the nuances of Eastern European life.
His path hasn’t been without challenges. Before Flesh, he wrestled with a failed novel, pouring four years of effort into something that ultimately didn’t feel right. “It was a relief to start fresh,” he admits. This fresh start gave birth to Flesh, a title that reflects not only the physical form but also the raw experiences of existence.
The story begins dramatically with fifteen-year-old István, who is quickly drawn into complex situations that shape his life—including a tragic encounter with a neighbor. From there, we journey through his tumultuous experiences, including time in a juvenile detention center and as a soldier. István’s life is a whirlwind of events, often dark, that Szalay doesn’t shy away from portraying. “I didn’t want to be a coward,” he explains. The novel echoes Greek tragedy: characters face relentless trials that lead to personal transformation.
Interestingly, Szalay’s exploration of masculinity is both timely and risky. Themes of sex, violence, and wealth are interwoven, challenging the norms of contemporary fiction. As he puts it, “It’s difficult to write about sex honestly.” His approach aims for a matter-of-fact portrayal rather than sensationalism.
István, an almost blank slate in many ways, draws readers in despite being elusive. Notably, Szalay’s choice to present him without any defined physical traits emphasizes his internal struggles and social alienation. Readers feel invested, unsure of how he will ultimately act at critical moments.
The backdrop of István’s life is shaped by historical contexts, like the Iraq War and migration trends, linking personal stories to broader socioeconomic narratives. Szalay observes that the end of communism and Hungary’s entry into the EU were transformative events that redefined life for his characters. He believes changes like Brexit are reshaping the psyche of the UK today.
Szalay identifies as a European novelist, carving out space in contemporary literature with a distinctive style. He seeks concise storytelling and often steps away from traditional narrative forms. Influenced by literary giants like Hemingway and Woolf, he aims for an economical approach that doesn’t dwell on backstory.
What’s next for Szalay? He’s already hard at work on his next project, which will, intriguingly, include a female perspective.
While he celebrates his Booker win, he remains grounded, reflecting on the journey and the connections he’s forged with readers. A single day in London with his wife was planned but now has shifted, allowing him to focus on discussing masculinity—a topic that resonates with many today.
In our ever-changing world, Szalay’s writing is a poignant reminder of the struggles we all face, making Flesh not just a story, but a reflection of our times.
