The Bad Sex in Fiction Award ceremony was in full swing at the In & Out Club in St James’s Square last night but there was one person weeping in the corner.
It was William Nicholson, shortlisted for his book Motherland, who had turned up with his family and high hopes. Nicholson criticised the prize on the Today programme yesterday but thought the prize’s convener Alexander Waugh wouldn’t hold it against him. “I thought I was going to win by the look on Alexander’s face,” said Nicholson, who had braced himself for mockery.
When the result came through — the prize went to Manil Suri for The City of Devi — Nicholson was deflated. “It was like coitus interruptus,” he said.
Suri did not appear in person to pick up the coveted plaster foot trophy, so it was presented to former winner Rachel Johnson instead. “I think it’s so unsporting that authors don’t show up to pick up the prize,” she said. Snatching victory from the paws of defeat.
