UPSC Prelims 2004 Q114: Art & Culture – Cultural Institutions & Awards
Which of the following authors won the Booker Prize twice?
- (a) Margaret Atwood
- (b) J. M. Coetzee
- (c) Graham Swift
- (d) Ian McEwan
Answer: (b) J. M. Coetzee
Explanation
Authors who won the Booker Prize twice
| Author | Booker wins |
|---|---|
| J. M. Coetzee | Twice — 1983 (Life and Times of Michael K) and 1999 (Disgrace) |
| Margaret Atwood | Once (2000, with a later 2019 shared prize) |
| Graham Swift | Once (1996) |
| Ian McEwan | Once (1998) |
J. M. Coetzee won the Booker Prize twice, in 1983 and 1999.
Answer: (b) J. M. Coetzee.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Atwood won it only once as of 2004.
- (b) CORRECT. Coetzee won in 1983 and 1999.
- (c) Incorrect. Swift won only once, in 1996.
- (d) Incorrect. McEwan won only once, in 1998.
Key point
Twice: J. M. Coetzee, Peter Carey (1988, 2001), Hilary Mantel (2009, 2012).
Remember
J. M. Coetzee won the Booker Prize twice.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Atwood since she is a frequent nominee.
- Forgetting Peter Carey, not in the options.
- Mixing Coetzee's two wins with his Nobel.
Exam tip
Double Booker winners: Coetzee, Carey, Mantel.
Sources
- Booker Prize Foundation — winners list
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — J. M. Coetzee