Two Upper Sixth pupils have received signed copies of the novel Who They Was by Gabriel Krauze, after the author heard about their success at the St Peter’s School Booker Prize Debate.
Longlisted for the official Booker Prize, Krauze’s novel is an autobiographical account of a young man who straddles two cultures. Issy and Khushi defended Krauze’s book as part of the annual St Peter’s School Booker Prize Debate, held in the school’s Library on 17 November.
The event saw Upper Sixth pupils and staff members gather in the Library to hear shortlisted books being heartily defended by Upper Sixth pupils and a member of the English Department. Audience members were then asked to cast their vote to determine the winning book.
Issy and Khushi won the competition and each received copies of the officially shortlisted titles to add to their own personal book collections, including Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart, The New Wilderness by Diane Cook, The Mournable Body by Tsitsi Dangarembga, Burnt Sugar by Avni Doshi, The Shadow King by Maaza Mengiste and Real Life by Brandon Taylor.
St Peter’s School shared a photo of the girls on Twitter to celebrate their success. Gabriel Krauze saw the tweet and kindly offered to send signed copies of Who They Was to Issy and Khushi as a token of his appreciation.
Gabriel sent the books by special delivery and the girls were presented with their signed copies during Tutor Time on Thursday 26 November.
Speaking about the novel, Issy said: "Who They Was, refreshes the usual booker literary scene by breaking the mould and discussing with an inside perspective, incredibly taboo subjects in an accessible and intriguing way. Although it's a sobering read, it is one that I believe to be an important one, especially in the 21st century."
Mr Jeremy Walker, Head Master of St Peter’s School, said: “I look forward to our school Booker Prize event each year and am always impressed with the insights and arguments put forward by our pupils for their chosen book. This year was no exception and it was tremendously exciting to have contact from Gabriel Krauze who has been invited to join us next year. Congratulations to all who took part and thank you to our fantastic Librarian and English Department.”
