New Delhi: The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has declared the winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature 2023 on Thursday. The prestigious award has gone to Jon Fosse, a Norwegian author who has created a unique and influential style of writing through his plays and prose. Fosse is known for his minimalist and poetic expression, which explores the inner lives of ordinary people.
Fosse, who is 64 years old, has written more than 40 plays, 16 novels, and several collections of poetry and essays. His works have been translated into more than 40 languages and performed all over the world. Some of his most acclaimed plays are Someone is Going to Come (1996), The Name (1995), The Child (2004), and Mother and Child (2006). Fosse writes exclusively in Norwegian, his native language. He was born in Haugesund, a coastal town in Norway. He studied comparative literature at the University of Bergen. His first novel, Raudt, Swart (Red, Black) was published in 1983.
Fosse’s works are characterized by his use of repetition, silence, and rhythm. He often depicts everyday situations that reveal the hidden emotions and conflicts of his characters. He also challenges the conventional notions of time and space, creating a sense of ambiguity and mystery. Fosse’s style has been described as “Fosse Minimalism” by critics and scholars.
One of his most famous novels is Stung Guitar (1985), which tells the story of a woman who is trapped outside her apartment after throwing out the garbage. Her child is still inside and she cannot get back in. She tries to get help from her neighbors, but they ignore her or misunderstand her. She also faces harassment from some men on the street. The novel portrays the woman’s suffering and desperation in a simple and powerful way.
Fosse expressed his gratitude and surprise after receiving the news of the Nobel Prize in Literature. He said in a statement, “I am overwhelmed and somewhat scared. I see it as a prize for literature whose purpose first and foremost is to be literature without any other consideration.”
The Nobel Prize in Literature comes with a cash prize of 11 million Swedish kronor (1 million dollars), an 18-carat gold medal, and a diploma. The winners will also be honored at a ceremony in December. Last year, the award was given to French writer Anne Ernaux, who is known for her autobiographical novels. Ernaux was only the 17th woman out of 119 Nobel Literature Prize winners.
