Read our Monthly Spotlight for March: A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James
This month, we revisit Marlon James' Booker Prize-winning novel – a bold, vibrant epic where music, politics and violence collide
Ten years ago, Marlon James won the Booker Prize with his multi-decade epic, a book chronicling the attempted assassination of Bob Marley and its complex aftermath.
A Brief History of Seven Killings was James’ third novel – an extraordinary blend of meticulous research and electrifying storytelling, which revolves around the largely-forgotten attempt on Bob Marley's life at his home in Jamaica. Though the reggae icon survived, the gunmen were never caught.
James expands this moment into a sweeping, continent-crossing narrative featuring a shadowy cast of characters. But A Brief History isn’t just a story of violence within the instability of 1970s Jamaica. In an essay for the Booker Prizes website, author Bernardine Evaristo reflects on its depth: ‘Such is James’ mastery with character psychology, and his understanding of the nuances of causality, we are always reminded that characters are suffering,’ she said.
The novel won the Booker Prize in 2015, making James the first Jamaican author to win the prize. It also won the American Book Award and the Anisfield-Wolf Award for Fiction, and was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award.
Michael Wood, Chair of the Booker Prize judging panel in 2015, recalled that the choice of winner was never put to a vote. ‘As we talked, certain books seemed further away… and then it dawned on us, this was the book.’ The panel hailed it as ‘a classic of our times’.
And how did James celebrate such a victory? By using his prize money to buy a lamp – shaped like a life-sized horse. ‘It’s literally a 12-foot by nine-foot life-sized horse, with a lampshade on its head,’ James explained, in an interview on the Booker Prize Podcast. ‘I saw it and I thought, “this is either the greatest thing ever or the worst idea ever. I have to have it”’.
For more insights into James’ win and work, visit our Monthly Spotlight page. There, you can read Evaristo’s essay in full, along with an extract from the novel. Don’t miss our comprehensive reading guide and learn more about James’ inspirations in our interview. Plus, we’re giving readers the chance to win a copy of the novel and a Booker Prize tote bag, in our latest competition. Happy reading!
Marlon James interview: 'I used my prize money to buy a lamp that’s actually a life-sized horse
A decade on from winning the prize, the author reflects on the madness that followed his Booker win, what Jamaicans thought of his victory, and discusses how hard it is to begin a new book.
‘What I find is that the country’s constantly moving ahead. A lot of emigrants I come in contact with, they hold onto the Jamaica they left behind. So I’ve actually had more criticism from Jamaicans in the diaspora than Jamaicans in the country. I think in the diaspora there’s a sense that I’ve aired dirty laundry.’
Bernardine Evaristo on A Brief History of Seven Killings: ‘Marlon James’ language is electrifying, mesmerising, rhapsodic, lyrical’
‘If you’re looking for safe, tame and familiar fiction where the writer leads you gently by the hand and promises to look after you, then A Brief History of Seven Killings is not for you. If you’re looking for something wild and rebellious that breaks free from the chains of convention and politesse, look no further. But read this novel at your peril – buckle up, maybe take a painkiller or two. You have been warned.’
Read an extract from A Brief History of Seven Killings
Jamaica, 1976. Seven gunmen storm Bob Marley’s house, machine guns blazing. Marlon James explores the story behind and beyond this near-mythical event. The result is a mesmerising story of gang violence and Cold War politics featuring a host of unforgettable characters, which delves deep into a dangerous and unstable time in Jamaica's history and beyond.
Discover our reading guide to the novel
Whether you’re new to A Brief History of Seven Killings or have read it and would like to explore it more deeply, here is our comprehensive guide, featuring insights from critics and the author, as well as discussion points and suggestions for further reading.
Win a copy of A Brief History of Seven Killings and a Booker Prize tote bag
To celebrate our Monthly Spotlight for March, we are giving you the chance to win a copy of the novel and a limited-edition Booker Prize tote bag.
To be in with a chance of winning, simply enter your details on the Booker Prizes website by 12:00 GMT on Monday, March 31, 2025. This competition is open to readers anywhere in the world.
Have you read A Brief History, or will you be joining us this month? Let us know in the comments below…
I didn’t get very far into it as I was put off by the violence. But reading the wonderful Bernardine Evaristo’s review/summary of it makes me want to try it again.
This was the moment when I lost complete confidence in the Booker prize. This senseless, violent, sordid piece of writing left me and some of my friends astonished at your idea of good reading.
Sorry
Philip Hymas