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6 Nobel Prize Winning Authors for your TBR

By October 30, 2015December 9th, 2017Authors, Discussion and Recommendations

The Nobel Prize for Literature was awarded to Svetlana Alexievich last Thursday and I have to admit, I’d never heard of the author (though I will now be checking out some of her translated works), and it got me to wondering just how many authors I know, and don’t know that have won the prize in the past. When I did some research I was surprised at just how many well-known authors were on the list and ended up creating my own ‘to be read’ pile from the list, and I think it makes such a great reading list I thought I’d share it with you!

Here are the six Nobel Prize winning authors I’ve chosen and the book I intend to read from each author!

William Golding

In 1983 William Golding was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature “for his novels which, with the perspicuity of realistic narrative art and the diversity and universality of myth, illuminate the human condition in the world of today”. From his works I’ve added Lord of the Flies to my to be read pile, I’ve been meaning to read it for years and this is the perfect excuse.

Lord of the Flies US
Lord of the Flies UK

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Ernest Hemingway

Hemingway won the prize back in 1954 “for his mastery of the art of narrative, most recently demonstrated in The Old Man and the Sea, and for the influence that he has exerted on contemporary style”. For that reason, I’m choosing The Old Man and the Sea for my TBR.

The Old Man and the Sea US
The Old Man and the Sea UK

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John Steinbeck

Steinbeck won the Nobel Prize for Literature back in 1962 “for his realistic and imaginative writings, combining as they do sympathetic humour and keen social perception”. I’ve read quite a bit from the author already but I’m adding East of Eden to my TBR!

East of Eden US
East of Eden UK

East of Eden Review

Doris Lessing

Doris Lessing was awarded the prize in 2007, who was credited as “that epicist of the female experience, who with scepticism, fire and visionary power has subjected a divided civilisation to scrutiny”. I’ll be adding the Golden Notebook to my TBR.

The Golden Notebook US
The Golden Notebook UK

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Mo Yan

In 2012 the prize was handed to Mo Yan “who with hallucinatory realism merges folk tales, history and the contemporary”. From his books, I’ll be adding Red Sorghum to my pile.

Red Sorghum US
Red Sorghum UK

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Gunter Grass

Sadly Gunter Grass passed away earlier this year, but in 1999 the Nobel Prize for Literature was awarded to him “whose frolicsome black fables portray the forgotten face of history”. I’ll be adding The Tin Drum for my own reading pleasure!

The Tin Drum US
The Tin Drum UK

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I hope my own reading list offers you some inspiration and the chance to try out some new authors too!

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