Georgi Gospodinov facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Georgi Gospodinov
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Gospodinov circa 2005
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Георги Господинов
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| Born | January 7, 1968 Yambol, Bulgaria |
| Notable works | The Physics of Sorrow (2012); Time Shelter (2020) |
| Notable awards |
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| Spouse | Bilyana Kourtasheva |
Georgi Gospodinov Georgiev (Bulgarian: Георги Господинов Георгиев; born January 7, 1968) is a famous writer, poet, and playwright from Bulgaria. He is known for his interesting stories and unique writing style.
His novel Time Shelter won the important International Booker Prize in 2023. He shared this award with his translator, Angela Rodel. The book also won the Strega European Prize. Another of his novels, The Physics of Sorrow, received the Jan Michalski Prize and the Angelus Award. His books have been translated into more than 25 different languages.
Gospodinov often writes about the recent past of Eastern Europe. He also explores worries people have today, both in Europe and around the world. His stories often mix poetry with fiction and use irony to make a point.
Contents
About Georgi Gospodinov
Early Life and Education
Georgi Gospodinov was born on January 7, 1968, in Yambol, Bulgaria. He studied Bulgarian language and literature at Sofia University. Later, he earned his PhD in New Bulgarian Literature from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.
Starting His Writing Career
Gospodinov began writing poetry in the early 1990s. He published two poetry books, Lapidarium (1992) and The Cherry of a People (1996). Both books won national literary awards in Bulgaria.
He became known around the world with his first novel, Natural Novel. This book has been published in 21 languages. The New Yorker magazine called it an "anarchic, experimental debut." The Guardian newspaper described it as "both earthy and intellectual." The novel tells the story of a young writer living in Bulgaria after the end of communism.
Short Stories and Graphic Novels
In 2001, Gospodinov released a collection of short stories called And Other Stories. This collection was considered for the Frank O'Connor Award and was translated into many languages. One story from this collection, "Blind Vaysha," was even made into a short animated film.
He also worked with artist Nikola Toromanov to create a graphic novel (a comic book in novel form) called The Eternal Fly. It was published in 2010.
Famous Novels
His second novel, The Physics of Sorrow, came out in 2012. It won the Bulgarian National Award for Best Novel in 2013. This book was also translated into many languages. A German newspaper, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, called it "a gorgeous work that should definitely be read." Another newspaper, Neue Zurcher Zeitung, said that with Physics of Sorrow, Gospodinov became one of Europe's top writers.
From January to June 2019, Gospodinov was a writer-in-residence in Zurich, Switzerland. This means he lived and worked there as a guest writer.
His novel Time Shelter, first published in 2020, has also been translated into many languages. Famous author Olga Tokarczuk said it was "the most exquisite kind of literature." She praised how it explores our ideas about time. An Italian newspaper, La Repubblica, even called Gospodinov "a Proust coming from the East."
For Time Shelter, Gospodinov won the Strega European Prize in 2021. The English translation, done by Angela Rodel, won the prestigious International Booker Prize in 2023.
Films Based on His Work
Georgi Gospodinov has also written screenplays for short films. His screenplay for a film called Omelette received a special mention at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.
His short story "Blind Vaysha" was adapted into an animated short film in 2016. This film, directed by Theodore Ushev, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film! In 2019, Ushev also made another animated short film based on Gospodinov's novel, The Physics of Sorrow.
Awards and Honors
Georgi Gospodinov has received many awards for his writing. Some of his most notable recognitions include:
- International Booker Prize, 2023 (winner)
- Strega European Prize, 2021 (winner)
- Usedom Prize for European Literature, 2021 (winner)
- Zinklar Prize for Best Short Fiction, 2021 (winner)
- Angelus Award, 2019 (winner)
- Jan Michalski Prize for Literature, 2016 (winner)
- Prozart Award for his contributions to literature in the Balkans, 2016 (winner)
- National Literary Award Bulgarian Novel of the Year, 2013 (winner)
In 2024, he was also named an International Writer by the Royal Society of Literature.
See also
In Spanish: Gueorgui Gospodínov para niños
