Crossword Genius

Juliet on a date with smashing Booker Prize winner (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ondaatje

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'smashing booker prize winner' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I cannot judge whether it can be defined by this definition.

'juliet on a date' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'juliet' could be 'j' (phonetic alphabet: alpha, bravo, charlie etc.) and 'j' is located in the answer.
'on' is found in the answer.
'a' is within the answer.
'date' could be 'd' (common abbreviation eg in DOB, date of birth) and 'd' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ate' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).

'with' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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