Okudzhava's novel, "The Closed-Down Theater," is largely autobiographical in nature. Okudzhava, 70, was not at the award ceremony, and could not be reached for comment.
The gathering of writers, journalists, and critics assembled at the Central House of Architects on Monday night was generally disgruntled at the choice, widely considered to be a compromise vote.
The Russian Booker Prize, now in its third year, carries a cash award of ?10,000 ($15,700), granted by the British firm Booker plc.
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