UK writer M. John Harrison wins Booker Prize for AI-tinged apocalyptic novel

London - UK author M. John Harrison has been named the winner of the Booker Prize for his novel The End of Everything, which explores concerns about artificial intelligence in a darkly satirical post-apocalyptic Britain. At 81 years old, Harrison is the oldest recipient of the award, which comes with a £50,000 prize. The novel follows the story of Phillip Tennent and his dementia-stricken aunt Marnie, set in a near-future coastal England invaded by mysterious objects known as the iGhetti, which can imitate humans and evoke interactions with artificial intelligence.

The book's main theme is that an apocalypse would be incomprehensible, reflecting current events such as Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the increasing presence of technology in daily life. Harrison's previous works include the Viriconium saga and Light, both major works of science fiction. The Booker Prize, celebrating the best long-form fiction by writers in English, was awarded at a ceremony in London.