Nobel Prize in Literature goes to Hungary's Laszlo Krasznahorkai

On Thursday (Oct 9), Hungary's Laszlo Krasznahorkai was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. The author is considered by many in the country as the most important living author. In his works, Krasznahorkai's has explored themes of postmodern dystopia and melancholy. The Swedish Academy honoured him “for his compelling and visionary oeuvre that, in the midst of apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art.” The official X handle of Nobel Prize in a tweet wrote, …"in Literature is awarded to the Hungarian author László Krasznahorkai “for his compelling and visionary oeuvre that, in the midst of apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art.”

Who is Laszlo Krasznahorkai?

Krasznahorkai was born on January 5, 1954 in Hungary's Gyula - a town near the Romanian border. He studied law, along with Hungarian language and literature. He became independent author after completing his education and published his debut novel, Satantango, in 1985. The book put him on the map of authors and became an immediate success. It was translated into English by George Szirtes and won the Best Translated Book award in 2013. The novel was also later developed into a film in 1994. The author lived in Germany for long and currently lives in the hills of Szentlaszlo, Hungary, away from the public eye.

Other books and awards

Before winning the prestigious Nobel award, the author has also boon Booker Prize as well as Hungary's highest award- the Kossuth Prize. For his latest achievement (Nobel), Krasznahorkai will be given 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately ₹1.03 crore).

As for the author's other works, his essays and short stories are famous throughout Germany where he lived for many years. His book The Melancholy of Resistance was also turned into a movie as well. He published 'Herscht 07769' this year - which is described as a great contemporary German novel.