Anuk Arudpragasam is a highly acclaimed Sri Lankan novelist, known for his works in Tamil and English. His debut novel, "The Story of a Brief Marriage," was published in 2016 by Granta Books/Flatiron Books and quickly gained international recognition. The novel, set in the penultimate years of the Civil War in Sri Lanka, was translated into several languages including Italian, French, Dutch, German, Mandarin, and Czech. Its success led to Arudpragasam being shortlisted for several prestigious literary awards, including the German Internationaler Literaturpreis and the Dylan Thomas Prize, and he ultimately won the South Asian Literature DSC Prize.
In 2021, Arudpragasam made headlines once again with the release of his second novel, "A Passage North." The book was met with critical acclaim and was quickly shortlisted for the esteemed Booker Prize. This recognition further solidified Arudpragasam's position as a leading voice in contemporary literature.
Born in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Arudpragasam studied philosophy in the United States, earning a doctorate from Columbia University. His background in philosophy is evident in his writing, which often explores complex themes and ideas. Despite his international success, Arudpragasam remains deeply connected to his roots, with his writing drawing from his experiences as a Sri Lankan Tamil. His work offers a powerful and unique perspective on the world, and he continues to be a major figure in the literary world.