Norwegian writer Jon Fosse wins the Nobel Prize in literature

Norwegian author Jon Fosse was awarded the prestigious Nobel Prize in Literature on Thursday for his outstanding contributions to both theater and prose, which, in the words of the Swedish Academy, “articulate the inexpressible.”

Jon Fosse, a prominent figure in Norwegian drama, boasts an impressive body of work, including around 40 plays, novels, short stories, children’s literature, poetry, and essays. Anders Olsson, the chairman of the Nobel literature committee, emphasized that Fosse’s literary creations are deeply rooted in the linguistic and natural essence of his Norwegian heritage.

The momentous announcement was made by Mats Malm, the permanent secretary of the academy, who reached Fosse by telephone while the author was navigating the tranquil countryside. Fosse, in response to the news, assured that he would drive home safely.

Fosse now joins the esteemed ranks of Norwegian Nobel laureates, following in the footsteps of Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson (1903), Knut Hamsun (1920), and Sigrid Undset (1928). Notably, his work titled “A New Name: Septology VI-VII,” hailed by Olsson as Fosse’s magnum opus, was a finalist for the International Booker Prize in 2022.

The Nobel Prizes, established by Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel, come with a substantial cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor ($1 million), an 18-carat gold medal, and a diploma. These prestigious accolades will be formally presented during the award ceremonies in December.

Last year, the Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to French author Annie Ernaux, recognized for the courage and astute clinical observations in her literary works, which drew inspiration from her provincial upbringing in Normandy, northwest France. This marked a significant milestone, as Ernaux became only the 17th woman among the 119 Nobel literature laureates. It should be noted that the Nobel literature prize has faced criticism in the past for its perceived Eurocentrism and male-dominated selection.

Furthermore, the Nobel Prize in Literature witnessed a postponement in 2018 due to allegations of sexual misconduct within the Swedish Academy, which appoints the Nobel literature committee. This scandal led to significant reforms within the academy. However, the choice of awarding the 2019 prize to Austria’s Peter Handke, who had been criticized for his stance on Serbian war crimes, generated further controversy.

Corder reported from The Hague, Netherlands.

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More about Nobel Prize in Literature

• Jon Fosse – Nobel Prize in Literature 2023
• Nobel Prize in Literature – Official Nobel Prize website
• International Booker Prize – Information about the International Booker Prize
• Nobel Prize Controversies – Overview of Nobel Prize controversies
• Swedish Academy – Official website of the Swedish Academy