Booker Prize-winner Bernardine Evaristo has said she hopes her honour of being the first black woman to win the award does not last long.
The writer was jointly awarded the prestigious literary award for her novel Girl, Woman, Other.
We’re delighted to announce that the winners of The #BookerPrize2019 are @MargaretAtwood with The Testaments @ChattoBooks and @BernardineEvari with Girl, Woman, Other @HamishH1931 #FinestFiction https://t.co/SQurx2Ky4u pic.twitter.com/zfyGHQIYaX
— The Booker Prizes (@TheBookerPrizes) October 14, 2019
She shared the £50,000 with Margaret Atwood after judges rebelled against Booker rules and selected two winners.
Speaking on stage after sharing a hug with her fellow prize-winner, Evaristo said: “I’m the first black woman to win this prize.
“I hope that honour doesn’t last too long.”
She added on her fellow winner: “It’s so incredible to share this with Margaret Atwood.”
Atwood joked that she was happy to share the limelight, as she wanted to steer clear of attention.
She said of her Canadian character: “We don’t do famous.”
Atwood and Evaristo shared a hug before making their way to the stage at the Guildhall in London, where their win was announced.