The winner of this year’s Nobel Prize in Literature is not too fond of attention. When he gave his lecture, he started by talking about his “fear”. He told how this had been with him since as a child he feared reading aloud in class. This week he has traveled around in connection with the award ceremony, although without giving any interviews to the press. For now. – I had regretted more than is good. It’s not that unusual, perhaps, if you’re going to be exposed to something like this here. But it has gone remarkably well, I would say, he admits in an exclusive interview with news. Jon Fosse during the interview with news the day before the award ceremony. Photo: Even Bjøringsøy Johnsen / news Demand for lecture On Thursday, he gave the regular Nobel lecture. Which is actually a requirement if you are to be able to receive the prize of NOK 11 million. – I was terribly, terribly nervous before the Nobel lecture, which I was to give. I thought “it won’t work”. – But it went okay. – That is what is so wonderful. You’ve been brooding for weeks, but when you’re there, you’re suddenly completely calm. I’m nervous about the facts anyway, says Fosse and waves his arms. He says he was thinking like a playwright when he chose to start the lecture with the scene from the school. Now he was again to read to an assembly, this time as the winner of the greatest prize a writer can receive. – I guess it’s a support for people who feel this way and that. It should preferably have a major political message. I didn’t come up with that. But there were perhaps some words of comfort for those who struggle a bit with one thing or another in life. – Easy to get lost He thanks the Swedes for taking care of a nervous soul. – It is very professionally organized, and that it provides security in a vulnerable situation as I experience it, says Fosse. He has a permanent attaché and driver. The world-renowned author, playwright and translator is a master at describing the wanderings of the soul. Out on the street it is more difficult to find your way. – I am in safe and loving hands. It made it easier than I thought, maybe. I didn’t have to go around looking for where dinner was supposed to be and stuff like that. – You have been lost in Stockholm before, you write in an essay. – Yes, it may well happen. I’ve been lost in many cities, me. I tend to get lost easily. The sense of place is pretty bad. What saves me in life are mostly taxis, he smiles. Jon Fosse (b. 1959) Jon Fosse is an award-winning author, marketer and playwright from Hardanger. Since 2011, he has lived in Grotten, “The state’s honorary residence for deserving artists”, in Oslo. He is considered one of the most important writers of our time. Fosse made his debut 40 years ago, in 1983. Since then he has written around seventy novels, stories, poems, children’s literature, essays and skits. His publications have been translated into over 50 languages. He has received a number of awards at home and abroad. The author is known for his distinctive language and musical, repetitive and rhythmic writing style. Speculation He has been among the favorites year after year. On 5 October it became clear. Jon Fosse is awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. – The Nobel Prize in Literature 2023 goes to Jon Fosse for his innovative drama and prose that gives voice to the unspeakable, stated the Swedish Academy when they announced the winner. The jury pointed out that Fosse has shown very special abilities as a playwright right from the start. He is famous for his very special and peculiar way of writing. Fosse says he is aware that he has been among the favorites for many years. But after ten years of speculation, he lost faith that it was going to be him. Fosse says he has been aware of the speculation, but that he began to give up after ten years. Photo: Even Bjøringsøy Johnsen / news – It’s not like you go around and think you’re going to get, he says. – Maybe someone had a clue? – I had a clue. But from there to get it, the distance is great. During the distribution, he got to know a little more about the road. – Anders Olsson, the chairman of the Nobel committee, could say that I had been involved in the discussions for 20 years, says Fosse. He is now the fourth Norwegian winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature. On Sunday, it will be handed out in Stockholm.
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