No Indian writer in 2009 Man Booker long list

For the first time in recent years, there is no Indian writer in the list.

London: For the first time in recent years, no Indian writer figures in the long-list for the 2009 Man Booker prize with noted writer J M Coetzee, who won the prestigious prize in 1983 and 1999, in the running again for his book, `Summertime`.The long-list for the leading literary award in the English-speaking world announced yesterday includes 13 books.

Last year`s winner was Indian writer Aravind Adiga, who got the prize for his book `The White Tiger`. Coetzee, the reclusive South African author, is the bookies` favourite to win an unprecedented third Man Booker award for `Summertime`, following his previous success with `Life & Times of Michael K` (1983) and `Disgrace` (1999). His latest work, which is yet to be published, is described as a "creative memoir" charting a young biographer`s attempts to piece together the life of a dead novelist. Bureau Report