The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is C.
Explanation
The goal is to introduce the novel Paradise and its author, Abdulrazak Gurnah, to an audience that is unfamiliar with both. Option C accomplishes this goal most effectively by structuring the information in a logical and compelling way.
The sentence begins by immediately defining the book itself: “A much-praised historical novel about colonial East Africa.” This opening gives a potential reader the most crucial information first, specifically the genre, setting, and critical reception. This approach is ideal for an unfamiliar audience, as it answers the fundamental questions of “What kind of book is this?” and “Is it considered good?” By establishing the book’s identity and merit at the outset, it effectively captures the reader’s interest.
Following this strong introduction to the novel, the sentence then provides the title, Paradise, and the publication year. Finally, it introduces the author, Abdulrazak Gurnah, and immediately establishes his significance by noting he is the “winner of the 2021 Nobel Prize in Literature.” This credential gives the author immense credibility and serves as a powerful reason for a new reader to engage with his work.
In contrast, the other options are less effective. Option A focuses primarily on the author’s biography, making the novel seem like a secondary detail. Option B is adequate but uses weaker phrasing like “singled out for praise,” which is less impactful than “much-praised.” Option D provides a good description of the novel but omits the author’s most significant achievement, the Nobel Prize, which is a critical piece of information for persuading a new audience of the book’s importance. Therefore, option C is superior because it strategically arranges all the key information to create the most persuasive and informative introduction.
