Archive · 10 Nov 2025
Kiran Desai Shortlisted for Second Booker Prize with
Kiran Desai, a famous writer, is nominated for the Booker Prize again for her new book, 'The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny.'
She already won this award many years ago.
Kiran said she wrote this book to talk about how people all over the world can feel alone, and how she felt lonely when she was a student far from home.
Her new book is very long and tells the story of two young Indian people in America.
The judges said her book is a big, amazing story that makes you think about important things like fairness and where you come from.
She is competing against five other writers, and the winner will be announced soon.
Winning this prize means you get a lot of money and recognition for writing a great book.
Kiran Desai is a finalist for the 2025 Booker Prize for her novel 'The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny'.
Desai stated her intention to write about 'global loneliness' and 'artistic loneliness' experienced as a student.
Her novel, 'The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny,' is 667 pages long and focuses on two young Indians in America.
This is a potential second Booker Prize win for Desai, who won in 2006 for 'The Inheritance of Loss'.
The Booker Prize ceremony will announce the winner on Monday night, with a 50,000-pound reward.
- Who
- Indian author Kiran Desai, shortlisted for her novel 'The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny'.
- What
- Kiran Desai is a contender for the Booker Prize 2025, discussing her motivations and the novel's themes.
- When
- The award ceremony is on Monday night; Desai spoke on Sunday evening.
- Where
- London
- Why
- To recognize excellence in English-language literature.
Authorial Intent
Judging Criteria
Theme of Loneliness
Authorial Intent
Kiran Desai aimed to explore global loneliness and artistic isolation, drawing from her personal experiences as a student in the US.
Judging Criteria
The Booker judges praised the novel for its 'vast and immersive' tale, its meditations on class, race, and nationhood, and its examination of individuals navigating relationships.
Personal Connection to the Work
Authorial Intent
Desai described her writing process as lonely but also happy, with the book feeling like a companion.
Judging Criteria
The judges emphasized the authors' 'total command of their own store of English,' unique rhythm, and expertise, highlighting that each novel was uniquely crafted.
- Author
- Kiran Desai
- Book Title
- The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny
- Prize
- Booker Prize 2025
- Award Amount
- 50,000 pounds
- Desai's Previous Win
- 2006 for 'The Inheritance of Loss'
- Novel Length
- 667 pages
Sources
Booker Prize 2025: Who will win? A look at this year’s 6 shortlisted novels
Andrew Miller and Kiran Desai are favourites to win the Booker Prize for fiction
Everything you need to know about the Booker Prize 2025
Booker Prize Veterans Emerge as Favourites to Win Literary Award
Kiran Desai and Andrew Miller Emerge as Favourites for 2025 Booker Prize for Fiction