David Szalay on Flesh

In this episode of Tom’s Book Club, David Szalay discusses his 2025 Booker Prize-winning novel Flesh, a sweeping, provocative portrait of one man’s life shaped by desire, chance, and consequence.The novel follows István, a young boy growing up in Hungary in the late 1980s, whose life is irrevocably altered by a tragic youthful affair. From a quiet apartment block to the rarefied world of London’s elite, we trace István’s journey across decades, as ambition, intimacy, and the pursuit of status pull him in conflicting directions.In this conversation, David reflects on winning the Booker and whether it fill influence his writing, the prolific use of the word 'okay', and what István would have made of the story.If you’re interested in contemporary literary fiction, Booker Prize winners, or novels that explore identity, ambition, and the long shadow of early decisions, this episode is for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.