Ngugi wa Thiong’o the favourite to win 2016 Novel Prize in Literature

 
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o is the most-backed author to win the 2016 Novel Prize in Literature, according to Ladbrokes, with regular favourites Haruki Murakami, Adonis, Philip Roth and Jon Fosse close behind.

The Kenyan author is a perennial favourite for the award, and was considered a front runner in 2010, 2013, 2014 and 2015.
 

• Related: What Does Ngugi wa Thiong’o Have to Do to Win the Nobel Prize for Literature?

 
Ngũgĩ’s influence on African and international literature is immense. In the late 1960s he made the “groundbreaking and ridiculously brave” decision to write in Gikuyu and Swahili, in an effort to revitalise and empower indigenous languages. Last year he was awarded the Nicolás Guillén Lifetime Achievement Award for Philosophical Literature. His most recent book is In the House of the Interpreter.
 

• Related: New Ngugi wa Thiong’o story translated into over 30 African languages in record-breaking issue of Jalada Africa

 
The 18 members of the Swedish Academy decide the award, being an author they judge – in the words of Alfred Nobel’s will – to have “produced in the field of literature the most outstanding work in an ideal direction”.

The date for the announcement is yet to be announced, but could be any time from 11:45 AM today – slightly later than usual. The Academy’s Per Wästberg told Swedish press that the winner would be revealed on 13 October, amid rumours of disagreement among members.

The Academy never gives any indication of the authors under consideration, however the winner’s name has been leaked on occasion. The official shortlist is only revealed 50 years later – in this year’s case, 2066.

Belarusian investigative journalist and non-fiction author Svetlana Alexievich was awarded the prize last year.

You can watch the announcement live here:

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Related stories:

• What Does Ngugi wa Thiong’o Have to Do to Win the Nobel Prize for Literature?
• New Ngugi wa Thiong’o story translated into over 30 African languages in record-breaking issue of Jalada Africa
• 2015 Nobel Prize in Literature to be Announced Tomorrow: Ngugi wa Thiong’o in the Mix Again
• An Excerpt from Voices from Chernobyl by Svetlana Alexievich, 2015 Nobel Prize in Literature Winner
• Svetlana Alexievich Wins the 2015 Nobel Prize in Literature
• Patrick Modiano has Been Awarded the 2014 Nobel Prize in Literature
• Alice Munro Receives the 2013 Nobel Prize in Literature

Image courtesy of What’s Good Africa

Book details

• In the House of the Interpreter by Ngugi wa Thiong’o
  EAN: 9780099572244
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• A Grain of Wheat by Ngugi wa Thiong’o
  EAN: 9780435909871
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• The River Between by Ngugi wa Thiong’o
  EAN: 9780435905484
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• Weep Not, Child by Ngugi wa Thiong’o
  EAN: 9780435908300
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• Petals of Blood by Ngugi wa Thiong’o
  EAN: 9780143039174
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• Dreams in a Time of War by Ngugi wa Thiong’o
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  EAN: 9780307476210
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• Wizard of the Crow by Ngugi wa Thiong’o
  EAN: 9780099502685
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