Alan Hollinghurst
An English novelist, short story writer, and translator, who won the Booker Prize for The Line of Beauty. His works are celebrated for their exquisite prose, detailed social observation, and insightful exploration of British upper-class life and gay experience, often set against specific historical backdrops. Hollinghurst's sophisticated narratives and meticulous attention to language make him a highly regarded literary voice.
Set in 1980s London, The Line of Beauty follows Nick Guest, a young gay man navigating the complexities of class, politics, and sexuality within the affluent Fedden family. As Nick becomes entangled in the family's social circles, he grapples with his identity and desires amidst the backdrop of Thatcher-era Britain. Hollinghurst's novel offers a satirical and intimate portrayal of privilege, hypocrisy, and the pursuit of beauty, culminating in a poignant exploration of love and loss during the AIDS crisis.