- Lower Saxony State Literature Prize is awarded to Zaimoglu
Author Feridun Zaimoglu Wins Lower Saxony Walter-Kempowski Prize for Biographical Literature
Feridun Zaimoglu, the esteemed writer, has been awarded the Lower Saxony Walter-Kempowski Prize for biographical literature, worth €20,000. The jury commended Zaimoglu's powerful prose, crediting it for introducing a fresh tone to contemporary literature.
His debut work, "Kanak Sprak," is regarded as a classic in German literature. Zaimoglu's latest novel, "Sohn ohne Vater," narrates the writer's journey to Turkey for his father's funeral.
Born in Bolu, Turkey, Zaimoglu now resides in Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein. The 60-year-old author expressed his gratitude, saying, "I am overjoyed to receive this recognition. My literature is rooted in my personal experiences and those of others, much like Kempowski's work, which I greatly admire."
A reading tour through Lower Saxony's literary houses is planned for the laureate. The Walter-Kempowski Prize for biographical literature is bestowed every two years, alternating with the Nicolas-Born Prize. The presentation ceremony will take place in Hannover on September 30.
Lower Saxony's Minister of Culture, Falko Mohrs (SPD), lauded Zaimoglu, stating, "He often highlights marginalized groups in his work, giving voice to those who are often unheard. His literature expands our perspective, integrating what seems foreign into our shared history."
Walter Kempowski, the award's namesake, passed away in 2007 at the age of 78. Kempowski was a renowned writer who combined personal history with historical events in his works. His house in Nartum, between Bremen and Hamburg, served as a gathering spot for young authors. Kempowski also served as a lecturer at the University of Oldenburg.
Feridun Zaimoglu, a prominent figure in contemporary German literature with a multicultural background, has significantly influenced the genre with his unique narrative styles and engagement with themes of cultural hybridity and multiculturalism. His literary oeuvre spans novels, plays, essays, and spoken-word performances, often exploring the complexities of cultural identity, migration, and belonging.
In the spirit of Walter-Kempowski, whose house in Nartum served as a hub for young writers, Feridun Zaimoglu, the award-winning author, has vowed to continue his legacy. He plans to engage with the community during his literary tour in Lower Saxony, fostering education and self-development through his works that delve into lifestyle, employment policies, and the challenges faced by marginalized groups.
Feridun Zaimoglu's literary works, encompassing novels, plays, essays, and spoken-word performances, serve not just as entertainment but as tools for corporate reform, advocating for policies that promote a balanced lifestyle and self-development for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
