Hungarian author Laszlo Krasznahorkai has been announced as the recipient of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature by the Swedish Academy. The prestigious award, valued at 11 million crowns ($1.6 million Cdn), was commended for Krasznahorkai’s profound body of work that emphasizes the enduring influence of art amidst chaotic circumstances.
At 71 years old, Krasznahorkai’s recognition comes after his previous accolades, including the Man Booker International Prize ten years ago. Renowned for his notable novel “The Melancholy of Resistance” in 1989, which later secured the German Bestenliste Prize, Krasznahorkai was lauded by American critic Susan Sontag as a significant figure in contemporary literature, often referred to as the “master of the apocalypse.”
Expressing his astonishment and pride in an interview on the Nobel website, Krasznahorkai, currently in Germany, shared plans to celebrate with friends over dinner in Frankfurt. Despite his past criticisms of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the leader extended his congratulations to the accomplished writer.
Born in Gyula, Hungary, Krasznahorkai’s literary narratives traverse through diverse landscapes, from European villages and towns to the Far East, influenced by his extensive travels to China and Japan. His breakthrough novel “Satantango” in 1985, set in a rural backdrop, resonated with Hungary’s historical context of collective farming during the communist era.
Reflecting on his writing journey, Krasznahorkai admitted his initial plan to write only one book but was inspired to continue after the success of his debut. He candidly described his life as a continual process of refinement, with a profound admiration for the works of Franz Kafka, which he regards as a pivotal influence on his craft.
Krasznahorkai’s collaborations with Hungarian filmmaker Bela Tarr have yielded cinematic adaptations of his works, notably “Satantango,” a seven-hour film that captivated audiences. Notable laureates in the realm of literature have included illustrious names such as George Bernard Shaw, Ernest Hemingway, and Gabriel Garcia Marquez, with Krasznahorkai joining the ranks as the second Hungarian to claim the Nobel Prize in Literature.
The Nobel Prizes ceremony, scheduled for December 10, will honor the laureates across various categories, with the Nobel Peace Prize announcement expected on Friday, followed by the revelation of the Nobel Prize in Economics on Monday. The selection process for the peace prize witnessed a record 338 nominees this year, underscoring the global significance of the award in fostering peace and progress.