Booker Prize shortlist unveiled

The shortlist for the Booker Prize was unveiled today – and there was a surprise omission for author Zadie Smith.

Smith’s The Autograph Man was one of 20 books in contention but it failed to make the final list of six.

The short-listed books are: Life of Pi by Yann Martel, Family Matters by Rohinton Mistry, Unless by Carol Shields, The Story of Lucy Gault by William Trevor, Fingersmith by Sarah Waters and Dirt Music by Tim Winton.

Other notable authors who missed out on a short-listed place, include Will Self for Dorian, Anita Brookner for The Next Big Thing and William Boyd for Any Human Heart.

The £50,000 (€79,370) award has been renamed The Man Booker prize this year after its sponsors, City firm The Man Group.

The winner will be announced at a ceremony at London’s British Museum on October 22.