|
Doris Lessing, winner of Nobel Prize for literature |
|
|
|
11 2007
UN-INSTRAW extends its congratulations to Ms Doris Lessing, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, in recognition of her achievements in the field and her commitment to illustrating women’s condition and participation in contemporary society.
Doris Lessing is the 11th woman to win a Nobel Prize for literature, and at the age of 88 she is also the oldest person to receive the award, which usually is given to authors in their 50s and 60s. The Swedish Academy considers Ms Lessing the “epicist of the female experience, who with skepticism, fire and visionary power has subjected a divided civilization to scrutiny”.
Doris Lessing was born in 1919 to British parents living in Persia (now Iran). Her formal schooling ended at age 13 and thereafter she was self-educated. She is the author of numerous novels, short stories, essays, and plays that deal with social and psychological issues.
Amongst her many novels are The Good Terrorist, Martha Quest, and The Golden Notebook, which is considered to be her breakthrough work published in 1962. The Golden Notebook is considered a feminist classic that depicts the conflicts encountered by a woman in society and inspired by her own life in Central Africa. The Nobel Prize will be awarded to Ms Lessing by King Carl.
|
