John le Carre Withdraws From Man Booker International Prize

Posted on March 30, 2011

The list of finalists for the 2011 Man Booker International Prize has been announced. John le Carre is one of thirteen authors on list of finalists, but he has asked for his name to be withdrawn. Carre's literary agents, Curtis Brown, issued the following statement on his behalf:

"I am enormously flattered to be named as a finalist of 2011 Man Booker International Prize. However I do not compete for literary prizes and have therefore asked for my name to be withdrawn."

Rick Gekoski, chair of the Man Booker International Prize 2011 judges, said Carre's name will remain on the list. Gekoski said in a statement, "John le Carre's name will, of course, remain on the list. We are disappointed that he wants to withdraw from further consideration because we are great admirers of his work."

The thirteen authors on the list are:

• Wang Anyi (China)
• Juan Goytisolo (Spain)
• James Kelman (UK)
• John le Carre (UK)
• Amin Maalouf (Lebanon)
• David Malouf (Australia)
• Dacia Maraini (Italy)
• Rohinton Mistry (India/Canada)
• Philip Pullman (UK)
• Marilynne Robinson (USA)
• Philip Roth (USA)
• Su Tong (China)
• Anne Tyler (USA)

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