Short story writer wins Nobel prize in literature

Canadian author Alice Munro has been awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for her short stories that focus on the frailties of the human condition. Alice is only the 13th woman to win in the history of the coveted award and the first Canadian.

The Swedish Academy honoured Ms Munro, 82, as a “master of the contemporary short story”.

It hailed her “finely tuned storytelling, which is characterised by clarity and psychological realism. Some critics consider her a Canadian Chekhov.

“Her stories are often set in small town environments, where the struggle for a socially acceptable existence often results in strained relationships and moral conflicts – problems that stem from generational differences and colliding life ambitions,” it said.

Ms Munro said of her win that she hopes her Nobel Prize would make people see the short story as an important art.

I’m keen to hear if you have you read any of Alice’s books and what did you think of them?

Alice Munro’s books are available via Booktopia: here