Booker Prize Winner David Szalay Quiet on Novel’s Plot Origins

David Szalay’s 2025 Booker Prize win for his novel Flesh has ignited a debate. Critics and readers say the book echoes Stanley Kubrick’s 1975 film Barry Lyndon and William Thackeray’s 1844 novel.

The discussion has centered on plot likenesses, author comments, and whether Szalay intends the parallels. The debate over Booker Prize Winner David Szalay Quiet on Novel’s Plot Origins shows no sign of cooling.

Plot parallels and novel style

Flesh follows 15-year-old Istvan from a Hungarian housing estate. The character rises and falls in a pattern some observers liken to Barry Lyndon’s rags-to-riches arc.

Commentators point to shared moves. Both protagonists enlist in the army, marry into wealth, mourn children, feud with stepsons, and later lose fortunes.

Readers also noted sparse prose and a repeated use of the word “OK” in Szalay’s book. Those stylistic choices intensified comparisons.

Origins and stated influences

Szalay has named several literary influences on a recent podcast. He listed works including Hamlet and Virginia Woolf’s Jacob’s Room, but he did not cite Thackeray or Kubrick directly.

When asked about the film, Szalay said he had seen Barry Lyndon at age 20 and acknowledged a general influence from a rags-to-riches structure. He has otherwise downplayed any direct borrowing.

Media appearances and timing

The author discussed influences on Dua Lipa’s book club podcast and on a forthcoming episode of a Radio 4 cultural programme. Those appearances have kept the conversation in the public eye.

Observers noted a November 2025 post that first drew wide attention to the similarities. The timing followed the Booker announcement and helped focus scrutiny.

Critical responses

Reactions vary across reviewers and commentators. Some critics describe the resemblances as near-identical trajectories and hard to ignore.

• One writer argued the novel mirrors both Thackeray’s book and Kubrick’s film closely.
• Another commentator said the similarity does not constitute plagiarism and could be a deliberate homage.
• Some critics wondered why Szalay has been cautious about acknowledging the parallels more fully.

Others offered a different reading. A noted critic suggested Szalay might be deliberately coy. The critic compared the parallels to hidden easter eggs for attentive readers to find.

Response from the Booker panel

The Booker judges praised Flesh for its originality when awarding the prize. The chair of the panel said the work felt unlike anything they had previously read.

That endorsement remains part of the wider conversation. It contrasts with later claims that the plot retraces well-known material.

What comes next

The debate is likely to continue as readers and scholars compare texts and film. Szalay’s future interviews or statements may further clarify his intentions.

For now, the novel stands as an award-winning work that has prompted intense reader sleuthing and critical debate. Filmogaz.com will monitor developments and report new statements.