The 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature has been given to László Krasznahorkai, a Hungarian author known for his intense and complex novels. He aims to explore reality, often pushing it to the edge of reason. During the award announcement in Stockholm, the Nobel Committee highlighted his “visionary oeuvre” and noted how his work affirms the power of art amid chaos.
Once, only a few of Krasznahorkai’s books were available in English. Critic James Wood remarked that they were “passed around like rare currency.” Now, many more readers recognize his talent, as the Nobel Committee acknowledged his significant contributions marked by absurdism and extreme elements.
Born in Gyula, Hungary, in 1954, Krasznahorkai grew up during politically tumultuous times. He once expressed that it was challenging for someone sensitive to beauty and morality to thrive in such an environment. Susan Sontag called him “the contemporary master of the apocalypse.” His characters often inhabit Central European villages, searching for meaning in a world that feels devoid of it.
In “The Melancholy of Resistance,” published in 1989, a traveling circus arrives in a rundown town with the mysterious carcass of a whale. The whale symbolizes many things, yet the story leaves its meaning open to interpretation. The arrival incites chaos among the townspeople. One character, Mrs. Eszter, seizes the opportunity for power, leading to a mix of violence and transformation.
Krasznahorkai’s work often avoids clear moral lessons. In a recent interview, he stated, “art is humanity’s extraordinary response to the sense of lostness.” His narratives are rich in detail, characterized by long, flowing sentences. This unique style engages readers in a deep exploration of thought and emotion.
His 1985 debut novel, “Sátántangó,” features villagers grappling with the duality of a newcomer—whether he is a savior or a con artist. Notably, a description of a sunrise goes on for nearly a page, showcasing his penchant for elaborate prose.
The novel was adapted into a film by director Béla Tarr, who collaborated with Krasznahorkai on various projects. Despite its seven-hour length, Sontag found the film captivating throughout.
More recently, his 2021 novel “Herscht 07769” has been celebrated for its reflection of social unrest in Germany. Written as a single sentence that begins with the dark proclamation, “hope is a mistake,” it follows a physics student convinced that disaster is imminent. He pens a series of desperate letters to former Chancellor Angela Merkel, adding a humorous yet bleak tone.
The Nobel Committee recognized Krasznahorkai as a significant figure in the Central European literary scene alongside predecessors like Franz Kafka and Thomas Bernhard. His later works reveal a more contemplative approach shaped by his journeys to China and Japan. Interestingly, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whom Krasznahorkai has criticized, publicly congratulated him, stating that the win brings national pride.
Last year, the Nobel went to South Korean writer Han Kang for her powerful prose exploring historical traumas. The previous recipient, Jon Fosse from Norway, was noted for his minimalist yet impactful storytelling. The Nobel Prize carries a significant cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor, roughly $1 million, recognizing not just the literary achievements but also the influence these writers have on contemporary society.
