On October 10, South Korean writer Han Kang received the prestigious Nobel Prize in Literature. Let’s find out who she is and also remember the great African writers who have made their mark with this award!
What is the Nobel Prize in Literature?
It is a prestigious award given each year to a writer whose books are remarkable and important to the world.
Han Kang is known for her touching and poetic stories. She received this prize for her books that talk about human pain and courage. Her most famous novel, The Vegetarian, tells the story of a woman who decides to change her life, even though it’s not easy. This Nobel Prize highlights Han Kang’s unique ability to tell stories that resonate with readers around the world.
Awarded African writers
This year, many hoped that the Nobel Prize in Literature would go to an African author, like Kenyan Ngugi Wa Thiong’o. But we will have to wait a bit longer, just like in 2021 when Tanzanian Abdulrazak Gurnah won this prize for his stories about exile and identity. Africa received its first Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986 thanks to Nigerian Wole Soyinka. This moment remains unforgettable, as it showcased the beauty and strength of words from the African continent.