Richard Flanagan has been awarded the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction 2024 for his book Question 7. The announcement was made at a ceremony held at BMA House in London, hosted by Chair of Judges Isabel Hilton. The prize, supported by The Blavatnik Family Foundation, is one of the most prestigious awards for non-fiction writing, recognizing outstanding works from authors worldwide.
Flanagan’s win is historic, making him the first author to achieve victories in both the Booker Prize for Fiction and the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction. This dual recognition cements his status as a leading voice in contemporary English-language literature.
Question 7 spans personal and historical narratives, beginning in a Japanese love hotel and concluding by a Tasmanian river. The book explores themes of love, life’s value, and the interconnectedness of past, present, and future. Flanagan delves into diverse topics such as H.G. Wells’ relationship with Rebecca West, the atomic bomb, and his own near-death experience.
The Baillie Gifford Prize carries a £50,000 award for the winner, with each shortlisted author receiving £5,000. This year’s judging panel, chaired by journalist and broadcaster Isabel Hilton, selected Question 7 from a pool of 349 books published between November 2023 and October 2024.