'A witness to what is around'

 

“A writer is not a prophet, is not a philosopher; he's just someone who is witness to what is around him.” – J. M. G. Le Clézio

 

Born in France on this date in 1940, Le Clézio won the 2008 Nobel Prize in Literature.   The author of over 40 works, he was awarded the 1963 Prix Renaudot for his masterpiece novel Le Procès-Verbal, and 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 also has been known for his travel writing and has taught in both Korea and China.  His most recent works are the novella On The Wrong Side in 2023, and the nonfiction book Identité nomade in 2024.

 

“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.”