Jon Fosse, known for his spare Nordic literature spanning plays, novels, and children’s books, has been awarded the Nobel Prize in literature. The Nobel literature committee chairman, Anders Olsson, praised Fosse’s work for its connection to his Norwegian background and language. Fosse expressed his gratitude for the recognition and stated that his aim is to create literature without any other considerations. The prize includes a cash award and a gold medal, which will be presented at the award ceremony in December.
Mr. Fosse, a prolific writer, has authored approximately 40 plays, along with novels, short stories, children’s books, poetry, and essays. The Swedish Academy, responsible for awarding the Nobel Prize, recognized Fosse for his innovative plays and prose that give voice to the unspeakable. Mats Malm, the secretary of the academy, reached out to Fosse via phone to inform him of his win. Fosse, who was driving at the time, promised to drive home carefully.
Fosse is the fourth Norwegian writer to be honored with the Nobel Prize in literature. Previous recipients include Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson in 1903, Knut Hamsun in 1920, and Sigrid Undset in 1928. His acclaimed work, “A New Name: Septology VI-VII,” was a finalist for the International Booker Prize in 2022, further highlighting his literary achievements.
Established by Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel, the Nobel Prizes carry a significant cash award and are celebrated with a gold medal and diploma. Last year’s laureate was Annie Ernaux, a French author praised by the Swedish Academy for her books’ courage and clinical acuity, inspired by her upbringing in Normandy, France.