Sri Lanka, Feb. 17 -- My friend possesses a collection of books that have won the Booker Prize. But my observation is that he enjoys other bestselling books more than the ones found in his collection. He would burn the midnight oil to immerse himself in bestsellers like Ken Follett, forgetting about meals. In the precious seconds before the other returned from the washroom, he seized the opportunity to relish a few pages of Follett.

Follett may not have a Booker to his name, but this observation holds significance, highlighting a phenomenon: award-winning fiction does not always guarantee reader-friendliness. Award-winning fiction may sell briskly, akin to hotcakes, although perhaps not at the same level as bestsellers. Prestigious award...