Jon Fosse

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Nobel Prize in Literature winner Jon Fosse has opened up about his early struggles as a writer and the role of writing in his life in his laureate speech delivered on Thursday. 

Fosse, whose works include the Septology series of novels Aliss at the Fire, Melancholy, and A Shining, was awarded the Nobel Prize in October “for his innovative plays and prose, which give voice to the unsayable”. 

Overcoming Fear and Finding Voice 

In his speech, Fosse spoke about the challenges he faced early in his career, including negative criticism.

He revealed that if he had listened to his critics, he would have stopped writing 40 years ago. 

He also touched on the recurring theme of suicide in his work, expressing concern that it might have contributed to its normalization.

However, he was also moved by readers who shared how his writing had saved their lives. “In a sense, I have always known that writing can save lives. Perhaps it has even saved my own life,” he said.

“And if my writing also can help to save the lives of others, nothing would make me happier.” 

Music and Writing 

Fosse drew parallels between music and writing, explaining how his teenage passion for music, particularly rock guitar, eventually led him to write.

He shared how he tried to capture the feeling of playing music in his writing. 

The Flow of Writing 

Fosse also discussed his writing process, describing how he sometimes feels like the text already exists and he simply needs to transcribe it before it disappears.

He added that the lack of full stops in his novel Septology was not a deliberate choice, but rather a natural outcome of his writing flow. 

Septology: A Reflection on Aging 

Fosse concluded his speech by talking about his novel Septology, which tells the story of an ageing painter named Asle reflecting on his life. 

A Message of Hope and Resilience 

Fosse’s speech was a deeply personal and insightful reflection on the power of writing and its impact on both his own life and the lives of others.

His message of overcoming fear, finding voice, and the potential of writing to save lives is a powerful one that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the pull of the written word.