Laszlo Krasznahorkai, a Hungarian author, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for 2025 by the Swedish Academy. The prestigious prize, valued at 11 million crowns ($1.6 million Cdn), was announced on Thursday. Mats Malm, the permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy, commended Krasznahorkai for his remarkable body of work that emphasizes the enduring power of art amidst chaotic circumstances.
At the age of 71, Krasznahorkai’s recognition comes ten years after his receipt of the esteemed Man Booker International Prize. Notably, his 1989 novel, “The Melancholy of Resistance,” which later secured the German Bestenliste Prize, catapulted him to literary acclaim. Referred to as the “master of the apocalypse” within contemporary literature by American critic Susan Sontag, Krasznahorkai expressed his surprise and pride at being included alongside illustrious writers and poets.
Born in Gyula, Hungary, Krasznahorkai’s literary settings traverse regions from central Europe to the Far East, influenced by his profound experiences in China and Japan. His breakout novel, “Satantango,” published in 1985, resonated with Hungarian readers, reflecting the societal shifts during communist rule. The author’s admiration for Franz Kafka’s work is evident, with him attributing Kafka as a significant influence on his writing.
Krasznahorkai, known for his collaboration with filmmaker Bela Tarr, saw several of his works adapted into acclaimed films. Their creative partnership yielded adaptations such as “Satantango,” a more than seven-hour cinematic masterpiece. Notable laureates in literature, including George Bernard Shaw and Gabriel Garcia Marquez, have received the Nobel Prize in the past, with Krasznahorkai joining the ranks of esteemed recipients like Imre Kertesz.
The Nobel Prizes, presented annually on December 10, honor outstanding contributions in various fields. While the Nobel Peace Prize announcement is forthcoming, the laureates for economics will be disclosed later. The peace prize committee revealed an increase in the number of nominees this year, underscoring the global recognition and significance of the prestigious award.
