Richard Flanagan has become the first writer to win both the prestigious Booker Prize and Baillie Gifford Prize – only to put a caveat on the latter’s £50,000 prize money over fossil fuel concerns, per theguardian.com.
Flanagan’s latest work **Question 7,** a genre-defying exploration of family, memory and Tasmanian history, was unanimously selected by the judges as this year’s winner of the Baillie Gifford Prize for nonfiction.
The announcement, however, took an unexpected turn when Flanagan, speaking via pre-recorded video from a Tasmanian rainforest trek, stated he would withhold accepting the prize money until the sponsoring fund manager presents concrete plans to reduce fossil fuel investments and increase renewable energy funding.
According to The Guardian, “He said he would welcome an opportunity to speak with Baillie Gifford’s board, to thank them and to “describe how fossil fuels are destroying our country”. He added that his words should not be seen as criticism of the firm.”
**Question 7** was praised by the judging panel, led by journalist Isabel Hilton, as “an astonishingly accomplished meditation on memory, history, trauma, love and death.” The book’s unique blend of memoir, fiction and historical narrative particularly impressed the judges, who noted its exceptional ability to weave together personal and collective histories.
The author’s stance adds to growing pressure on Baillie Gifford, which has faced criticism over its investment portfolio. Earlier this year, nine literary festivals terminated their partnerships with the fund manager following boycotts organised by campaign group Fossil Free Books.
Despite postponing acceptance of the prize money, Flanagan expressed a willingness to engage with Baillie Gifford’s board, offering to share firsthand accounts of how fossil fuels are impacting his native Australia. He emphasised that his decision should not be interpreted as criticism of the firm.
The historic win places Flanagan in a unique position in literary history, having previously claimed the Booker Prize in 2014 for **The Narrow Road to the Deep North.** This dual achievement highlights both his versatility as a writer and his commitment to environmental causes.
At the ceremony, Baillie Gifford partner Peter Singlehurst expressed the firm’s desire to continue sponsoring the prize, while the prize organisers revealed that two authors had withdrawn their books from consideration this year, with one explicitly citing concerns over the sponsorship.
•Featured image: Richard Flanagan/The Guardian
