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Dubai-based author Avni Doshi's debut novel 'Burnt Sugar' in Man Booker 2020 Long List

Dubai - Doshi wrote eight drafts of the novel over seven years.

Dubai-based author Avni Doshi's debut novel 'Burnt Sugar' was long listed for the Man Booker Prize 2020.

The novel, earlier titled 'Girl in White Cotton' for Indian audiences, revolves around a complex relationship between a mother and a daughter, with the latter also coming to terms with her loss of memory.

Talking about 'Burnt Sugar', The Booker Prizes observed, "This is a love story and it is a story about betrayal. But not between lovers - between mother and daughter. Sharp as a blade and laced with caustic wit, Doshi tests the limits of what we can know for certain about those we are closest to, and by extension, about ourselves."

"My editor gave me the news this morning and I spent the rest of the day in shock. It was a total surprise. I am beyond elated and so honoured to be listed among writers I admire," Doshi told Khaleej Times. "I think the mother-daughter relationship at the heart of the story transcends the particularities of culture and geography."

Doshi added that it was gratifying to know the judges thought the book had merit. "Writing is a solitary occupation, and you're never sure if anyone will want to read what you're writing. There were years (the book took seven years for Doshi to write) when I thought the book would never see the light of day." A shortlist of six books will be announced later on September 15.