German author Jenny Erpenbeck and translator Michael Hofmann won the International Booker Prize for fiction on 21 May 2024 for “Kairos,” the story of a tangled love affair during the final years of East Germany’s existence.
Jenny Erpenbeck is the first German writer to win the International Booker Prize, and Michael Hofmann is the first male translator to receive the award since its current form was established in 2016. Additionally, 'Kairos' is the first book translated from German to English to win the prize.
The award announcement was made by Eleanor Wachtel, Chair of the 2024 judges, during a ceremony sponsored by Maison Valentino at Tate Modern in London, UK.
