Consider the following statements about 'The Golden Gate' by Vikram Seth:
1) The novel, written entirely in verse, was shortlisted for the Whitbread Book Award, showcasing its innovative poetic form.
2) It won the Booker Prize for its expansive narrative on Indian society and culture.
3) The book was honored with the Sahitya Akademi Award for its significant impact on Indian English poetry.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Only statement 1 is correct.
Vikram Seth’s debut novel, 'The Golden Gate' (1986), is uniquely written entirely in Onegin stanzas (verse). While it received critical acclaim and was shortlisted for the Whitbread Book Award, it did not win the Booker Prize (Seth’s A Suitable Boy was also famously overlooked for it). However, the novel was honored with the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1988. Set in Silicon Valley, it explores the lives of young professionals rather than focusing on Indian society.