The Booker Prize is one of the most sought-after awards in the literary world.

This year’s winner, Shehan Karunatilaka, is not only the second ever Sri Lankan author to win it – he has ties to our very own country.  

And no, this isn’t a case of classic Kiwis grasping on to the tiniest connection... 

Shehan grew up in Colombo but came to New Zealand to attend Whanganui Collegiate and then study at Massey University in Palmerston North.  

He’s gone from a relatively little-known author to a household name in weeks for his book The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida, but still describes himself as a failed cricketer and failed rockstar.  

Shehan Karunatilaka joined Jack Tame.

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