THE RELUCTANT FINALIST

nuk Arudpragasam is often suspicious of books and things that win big prizes. Had his second novel, , not been shortlisted this year, he says he may not have fully grasped the Booker’s cultural significance. “I really wasn’t aware of the bells and whistles involved.” Though the nomination has introduced Arudpragasam to many more readers, giving him the confidence that he can now look at writing as both career and vocation, he remains wary of the limelight: “All I want