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