Abdulrazak Gurnah, Nobel Prize in Literature 2021 at the Swedish Academy

Summary

In this insightful interview, Abdulrazak Gurnah, Nobel Prize-winning author, reflects on his personal journey as a migrant and the role of memory in his work. He delves into themes of displacement, trauma, and the complexities of human behavior, sharing how his experiences as a refugee have shaped his writing. Gurnah discusses the challenges of balancing recognition with personal well-being, and emphasizes the importance of compassion and kindness even amidst injustice. His reflections on the power of stories to understand the world reveal the depth of his literary voice.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gurnah initially did not believe he had won the Nobel Prize when informed, showing his humble reaction to the award.
• 😀 The Nobel Prize recognition, while overwhelming, marks the beginning of a new chapter in Gurnah's life and career.
• 😀 Gurnah reflects on the Swedish Academy's description of his work, agreeing that themes of colonialism and refugee experiences are central, but not all-encompassing.
• 😀 Gurnah's memories of growing up in Zanzibar emphasize the cosmopolitan nature of the place and the complexity of living there amidst political turmoil.
• 😀 At 18, Gurnah left Zanzibar and moved to the UK, where he experienced both excitement and alienation, shaped by racial tensions and political struggles.
• 😀 His writing focuses on the lives of ordinary people, highlighting their quiet resilience, trauma, and moments of humanity in the face of adversity.
• 😀 Gurnah is passionate about the theme of compassion in his work, believing that despite human cruelty, there is always the potential for kindness.
• 😀 He rejects the idea of heroic characters in his writing, instead focusing on the complexities of small, everyday lives as the true source of strength.
• 😀 The Nobel Prize has brought Gurnah global recognition, but also increased demands on his time, leaving him both honored and busy.
• 😀 Despite the challenges the Nobel Prize brings, Gurnah remains focused on his work, valuing the opportunity to connect with readers and share his stories.

Q & A

How did Abdulrazak Gurnah react when he first received the call announcing he had won the Nobel Prize?

Gurnah initially thought it was a prank. When he received the call, he was at home, about to make tea, and didn't recognize the voice on the other end. He was initially skeptical, but after checking the Swedish Academy website, he realized the announcement was genuine.

What was the Nobel Prize motivation for Abdulrazak Gurnah?

The motivation was 'for his uncompromising and compassionate penetration of the effects of colonialism, and the fate of the refugee in the gulf between cultures, and continents.' Gurnah acknowledged that it was an accurate reflection of part of his work, although he noted it didn't capture the entirety of his literary focus.

What role do memories play in Gurnah’s writing?

Memories are a central theme in Gurnah’s novels. He often writes about characters dealing with pain, loss, and memories of past places and people. For Gurnah, his memories of growing up in Zanzibar form an important part of his writing, particularly as they shape his imagination.

How does Gurnah remember the environment where he grew up in Zanzibar?

Gurnah describes his childhood home as being very close to the harbor. From his house, he could see the harbor, warehouses, and fishing boats. The area was cosmopolitan, with people arriving from various parts of the Indian Ocean. This mix of cultures and the presence of sailors from diverse places left a lasting impression on him.

What is Gurnah's perspective on the people who passed through his childhood home?

While Gurnah saw them as a rich source of stories and culture, he acknowledges the dangers they posed. His aunt recalled that during certain times, when the sailors left, there was the risk of children being kidnapped. Gurnah emphasizes that the presence of these travelers was both exciting and menacing.

How did Gurnah’s experience of leaving Zanzibar at the age of 18 shape his life?

Gurnah recalls the experience of leaving Zanzibar in great detail, especially the emotional and practical challenges involved in leaving home. Although he initially viewed the move as an exciting adventure, it was also painful, as he had to adapt to life as an immigrant in the UK, a country grappling with its own racial tensions.

How did Gurnah’s early experience in the UK relate to the broader context of immigration during that time?

When Gurnah arrived in the UK, there was a racial panic about immigrants, especially those coming from former British colonies. He was part of the wave of immigrants from East Africa, many of whom had British passports due to the colonial era. He found it challenging to understand the hostility he encountered but appreciated the opportunity for a new life.

How did Gurnah begin his writing career?

Gurnah’s writing career began after he moved to the UK. Initially, he studied literature and eventually decided to write about his experiences, especially about his homeland and the complexities of living as an immigrant. His works are often a blend of his personal experiences and the broader social context he observed in the UK.

Why does Gurnah prefer to write about ordinary people rather than heroes?

Gurnah gravitates toward writing about ordinary people because he finds resilience in the human spirit when it comes to coping with trauma and adversity. He believes that there is something inherently heroic about small lives and the way individuals navigate difficult circumstances, as opposed to the predictable and clichéd nature of traditional heroes.

What does Gurnah mean by the term 'compassion' in his work?

For Gurnah, compassion refers to the human capacity for kindness even in the face of cruelty and injustice. He believes that while people can be monstrous, there is always the possibility for individuals to act with kindness and empathy, even when compromised by societal or state pressures.