“A
writer is not a prophet, is not a philosopher; he's just someone who is witness
to what is around him. And so writing is a way to... it's the best way to
testify, to be a witness.” – J. M. G. Le Clézio
Born in France on April 13, 1940, Le
Clézio is both a writer and professor and winner of the 2008 Nobel Prize in
Literature. The author of over forty
works, he was awarded the 1963 Prix Renaudot for his masterpiece novel Le
Procès-Verbal. Le Clézio also was the first winner of the Grand Prix Paul
Morand, awarded by the Académie Française, for his novel Désert. 
Called by the Nobel committee
"… (an) author of new departures, poetic adventure and sensual ecstasy,
(and) explorer of a humanity beyond and below the reigning civilization.” Le Clézio began writing at age 7 and was
published while still in his teens. In
addition to his many books, he has authored myriad short stories, essays, two
translations on the subject of Native American mythology, and several
children's books. During the past two
decades he has also been known for his travel writing and has taught in both
Korea and China.
“I don't have any office; I can
write everywhere. So, I put a piece of paper on the table, and then I travel.
Literally, writing for me is like travelling. It's getting out of myself and
living another life - maybe a better life.”
No comments:
Post a Comment