Irish Man Booker Prize nominee Emma Donoghue was philosophical after missing out on the most coveted literary prize in the world this year.

“I don’t feel a bit crushed. Not remotely sad,” the Dublin born novelist told the press after the award winner was announced. Donoghue know that just clinching the nomination is a distinction in itself.

Then Irish writer was nominated for the prize based on the strength of her seventh novel, Room, the international bestseller about a five-year-old boy held captive with his mother in an 11-square-foot shed. The book has been

“I’m only sorry to disappoint the people of Canada and Ireland, who have been so good to me,” Donoghue added.

Donoghue admitted when she heard the name of the winner announced – the prize went to The Finkler Question, by British novelist Howard Jacobson – she experienced “a brief pang, but no more. Just being on the shortlist has helped Room immensely.”

Room is already a bestseller in several countries, including Canada, where she’s has lived with her Canadian partner since 1998.