Da Vinci Code: Book of the Year
Louise Jury

Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code has been named the book of the year at the British Book Awards.

Its reclusive author was not there in person but a pre-recorded acceptance was broadcast at the recent star-studded ceremony in London, where he stressed there was no truth whatsoever in the story of a plot by the Catholic Church.

The book offended some by describing how the church suppressed the marriage of Mary Magdalene and Jesus. Brown, who offered no apology, said he was delighted the book had stimulated debate and had made readers question their beliefs.
The ceremony was hosted by Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, who have become the surprise heroes of the publishing industry with their weekly book club.

Brown faced stiff competition from an eclectic list, including Bill Bryson, Bob Dylan, Whitbread Prize winner Mark Haddon, Michael Palin and You Are What You Eat author Gillian McKeith.

Andrea Levy, another writer whose multiple awards have made her popular as well as a literary success, was scooped by Hari Kunzru in a new category, the Arts Council of England’s decibel award for the black or Asian writer who has made the greatest contribution to the literary year.

Martin Higgs, Waterstone’s literary editor, said
The Da Vinci Code as book of the year was no surprise as it had held the number one slot in the bestseller chart virtually since last September. "There can’t be many people in the country who haven’t read or at least heard about this book." The British Book Awards are the publishing industry’s equivalent of the TV or film Baftas and are in their 16th year. — The Independent

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