Shehan Karunatilaka: Booker Prize winner on his time in NZ and becoming a household name

<p>The Booker Prize is one of the most sought-after awards in the literary world.</p> <p><span>This year’s winner, Shehan Karunatilaka, is not only the second ever Sri Lankan author to win it – he has ties to our very own country. </span><span> </span></p> <p><span>And no, this isn’t a case of classic Kiwis grasping on to the tiniest connection...</span><span> </span></p> <p><span>Shehan grew up in Colombo but came to New Zealand to attend Whanganui Collegiate and then study at Massey University in Palmerston North. </span><span> </span></p> <p><span>He’s gone from a relatively little-known author to a household name in weeks for his book </span>The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida, <span>but still describes himself as a failed cricketer and failed rockstar. </span><span> </span></p> <p><span>Shehan Karunatilaka joined Jack Tame.</span></p> <p><strong>LISTEN ABOVE</strong></p> <p><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></p> <p> </p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>