David Szalay wonders whether AI could write hockey smut
David Szalay discusses the impact of AI on writing during an interview at the Sydney Writers' Festival. He expresses skepticism about AI's ability to replicate the nuances of human experience in literature. Szalay believes that while AI can improve, it will always lack the embodied understanding of a living author.
- ▪David Szalay won the Booker Prize in 2025 for his novel Flesh.
- ▪He finds Australia to be a unique blend of American and European cultures.
- ▪Szalay believes AI writing lacks the physicality and embodied experience of human authors.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
The Interview: David Szalay on why AI won't be able to replace authorsBy Gina RushtonTopic:BooksSat 30 May 2026 at 7:24amSat 30 May 2026 at 7:24amSat 30 May 2026 at 7:24amabc.net.au/news/interview-david-szalay-booker-flesh-sydney-writers-festival/106732488Link copiedShareShare articleDavid Szalay is being shepherded between press engagements at Sydney Writers' Festival.In 2025 the Hungarian-British author won the Booker Prize for Flesh, which follows teenager István as he moves beyond his working class beginnings in Hungary and eventually into the world of London's elite.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).