The 2018 and 2019 Nobel Prizes for Literature were recently awarded to Polish author Olga Tokarczuk and Austrian writer Peter Handke, respectively. The announcement came after a scandal caused by allegations of sexual misconduct within the Swedish Academy led to the cancellation of last year’s ceremony. Both these writers have been recognized for their profound contributions to literature; however, the selection of Handke has stirred controversy due to his political view points.
Peter Handke: A Controversial Laureate
Peter Handke, renowned Austrian author, was distinguished with the 2019 Nobel Prize for Literature “for an influential work that with linguistic ingenuity has explored the periphery and the specificity of human experience”. However, the choice of Handke has ignited a dispute due to his supposed alliance with Serbian nationalist sentiments. Handke publicly expressed sympathies for former Serbian president, Slobodan Milošević, who was accused by multiple international agencies for orchestrating the Bosnian genocide where over 8,000 people lost their lives.
This selection has sparked anew the age-old debate on whether a writer’s personal beliefs and political inclinations should overshadow the merit of his literary contributions.
| Year | Nobel Laureate | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Olga Tokarczuk | Poland |
| 2019 | Peter Handke | Austria |
Olga Tokarczuk: Bridging Boundaries
As for the 2018 award, it went to Polish author, Olga Tokarczuk “for a narrative imagination that with encyclopedic passion represents the crossing of boundaries as a form of life”. Her recognition marks a significant milestone, as she becomes only the 15th woman to win the Nobel Literature Prize since its inception in 1901.
Swedish Academy: The Awarding Body
The Swedish Academy in Stockholm is responsible for selecting the Nobel laureates in Literature each year. However, allegations of sexual misconduct within the academy led to the cancellation of the award ceremony in 2018. The academy has now resumed its role and continues to honor extraordinary literary figures, notwithstanding the controversies that may surround them.
Last Modified: February 6, 2024