Nobel Prize in Literature 2021

Nobel Prize in Literature 2021 was conferred to Tanzanian novelist “Abdulrazak Gurnah”.

Key facts

The novelist was awarded with the Prize for his uncompromising & compassionate penetration of “effects of colonialism” and fate of refugees in the gulf between cultures & continents.

Who is Abdulrazak Gurnah?

Abdulrazak Gurnah was born in the year 1948. He grew up on the island of Zanzibar in Indian Ocean. Later he arrived in England as a refugee in 1960’s. He worked as Professor of English & Postcolonial Literatures at the University of Kent, Canterbury. He has published ten novels and several short stories.

First Literature

His work revolves around the theme of the refugee’s disruption. He started writing as a 21-year-old in English exile. Even though Swahili was his first language, he made English his literary tool. He consciously breaks with convention to highlight the indigenous populations. As a result, his novel ‘Desertion’ about a love affair becomes a contradiction to “the imperial romance”.

Cultural Interests

Alfred had broad cultural interests. He developed literary interests during his early youth, that lasted throughout his life. His library comprised of a rich selection of literature in different languages. He tried his hand as an author & started writing fiction during the last years of his life.

People recognised under this category

Academy has recognised 117 people for their literary creations, so far. Out of them, 16 are women.

2020 Nobel Prize in Literature

2020 Nobel Prize in Literature was given to American poet Louise Gluck, who is professor of English at Yale University. He was awarded for her unmistakable poetic voice

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2021