Jon Fosse Bags 2023 Nobel Prize In Literature: Discover His Must Read Books

The 2023 Nobel Prize in Literature is awarded to the Norwegian author Jon Fosse "for his innovative plays and prose which give voice to the unsayable".

"His immense oeuvre written in Norwegian Nynorsk and spanning a variety of genres consists of a wealth of plays, novels, poetry collections, essays, children's books and translations. While he is today one of the most widely performed playwrights in the world, he has also become increasingly recognised for his prose," the Royal Swedish Academy stated.

Jon Fosse, born in 1959, is a highly acclaimed Norwegian author. Raised on a small farm along the west coast of Norway, he pursued literature at the University of Bergen. Following his studies, Fosse transitioned into a career as a dedicated writer, journalist, and educator.

His Works
He made his debut with the novel "Raudt, svart" (Red, black) in 1983. Since then, his literary works have been translated into over forty languages, solidifying his reputation as one of today's preeminent playwrights worldwide. Fosse was honored as a chevalier of the Ordre national du Mérite in France in 2007 and was recognized as the 83rd living genius on The Daily Telegraph's Top 100 list.

The Norwegian state in 2011 has given granted the Grotten, an honorary residence which is located on the premises of the Royal Palace in the city centre of Oslo.

Must Read Books Of Fosse
'Melancholy I and Melancholy II'
It remains one of the best works of Fosse. It is about the psychological and emotional struggles of the protagonist, which reflects Fosse's characteristic exploration of human experiences.

'Nokon kjem til å komme' (Someone Will Arrive)
Released in 1999, this book stands as another notable addition to Fosse's literary works that explores existential themes and intricacies within human relationships.

'Trilogy' (Andvake, Olavs draumar, and Kveldsvævd (Wakefulness, Olav's Dreams, Weariness)
Trilogien (The Trilogy) brings together three stories about a young couple Asle and Alida. Collectively, these three books span nearly three hundred pages of prose, presenting a condensed narrative that unfolds across generations and centuries.

'Namnet' (The Name)
The 1994 book is a part of Fosse's ambitious "Septology" series. This showcases his minimalist style and explores the human psyche, identity, and mortality.

'Morning and Evening'
It is about the birth of a child and the day of his death many decades later. The narrative revolves around a fisherman, with the first section depicting his birth from his father's viewpoint, while the subsequent part covers his life's culmination, revisiting pivotal locations and memories.