Hungarian Writer Laszlo Krasznahorkai Awarded Nobel Prize in Literature

The Swedish Academy announced in Stockholm on Thursday that it has awarded the Nobel Prize in literature to the Hungarian writer Laszlo Krasznahorkai, “for his compelling and visionary oeuvre that, in the midst of apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art.” The 71-year-old Hungarian author has long been considered a strong contender for the prize. He is the second Hungarian to receive the honour, following Imre Kertesz in 2002. Hungary also celebrated two Nobel laureates two years ago: Katalin Kariko was recognised for her groundbreaking innovations in medicine, and Ferenc Krausz was honoured in physics. Krasznahorkai is a renowned Hungarian author who has spent much of his life traveling the world. At 18, he left his hometown of Gyula in Hungary and has since lived in Germany, France, the United States and Asia – experiences that have deeply influenced his work. Several of his novels have been adapted into films by the acclaimed director Bela Tarr. He has also received a number of awards, including the Booker Prize, and his works have been translated into several languages. “I am very happy! I am calm and very nervous at the same time,” Krasznahorkai told Swedish public radio on Thursday after the announcement. “You know, this is the first day of my life when I’ve won a Nobel Prize.” In response to a question about why he chose his particular profession, he gave a characteristically personal answer: “At first, I just wanted to write a book, but I didn’t want to become a writer. Then, when I discovered that the text wasn’t entirely perfect, I started another one. Because I wanted to correct Sátántangó. My whole life has been about corrections.” With his signature style – dressed in black and with wild hair and beard – he has long been a critic of the government of Viktor Orban, accusing the leadership and even Hungarian society of shifting towards Russia and away from its Western home, while wallowing in historical grievances like the 1920 Treaty of Trianon peace agreement that stripped the country of two-thirds of its territory and half of its population. At the beginning of the year, pro-government pundits lashed out against Krasznahorkai after he made critical comments about his home country to a Swedish outlet. Nevertheless, Hungarian politicians across the political spectrum praised Krasznahorkai’s achievement, seeing it as a triumph for the entire country, which takes pride in its unique language, although precious few read modern Hungarian literature these days. Prime Minister Viktor Orban posted on Facebook: “The pride of Hungary, the first Nobel Prize winner from Gyula, Laszlo Krasznahorkai. Congratulations!” Opposition politician Peter Magyar offered a political perspective, noting that “the best novels of Hungary’s latest Nobel laureate depict the forgotten rural world and people oppressed by power.” Comedian Tibor Bodocs congratulated Krasznahorkai by quoting from his book Addig se iszik (At Least He’s Not Drinking): “As the folk saying from Gyula goes: you look terrible, don’t even start a Krasznahorkai sentence! His longest sentence lasts eight whole weeks, measuring seven metres and sixteen centimetres – a true sporting achievement.”