Nobel Prize for Literature 2018, Postponed

Hello Gentle Reader

After last month’s explosive wave of resignations and in-house divides, the remaining members of the Swedish Academy have decided that it is in the best interest of the Nobel Prize for Literature of two-thousand and eighteen, to be postponed until two-thousand and nineteen, where two laureates will be announced.

The previous month has seen the Swedish Academy engulfed in scandal and crisis, as well as criticism, for their failure to handle the eschewing criticism and crisis. Since then five members have resigned from the academy, while another two where already considered in active, and the singular member who has been at the centre of the controversy has resigned; although only after a compromise which only infuriated the public even further.

Despite not awarding a Nobel Laureate for this year, the Swedish Academy has announced that they will continue to develop a shortlist and agree upon a singular laureate for this year, to be awarded next year along with the laureate for two-thousand and nineteen.

The decision is both wise and unfortunate. It is wise, due to the fact any laureate announced this year will be painted with the blemish and bruise of this current scandal, and the choice of laureate might only further push the academy into further crisis. For example, if the Swedish Academy chose a male as the laureate, the media and public might erupt once again in disfavour, stating that the academy is operating as if it were an old boys club, and is favouring one gender over another. This would mean the laureate had unwillingly been forced into a participant role within the crisis; even though gender is inappropriately applied.

The unfortunate aspect of this decision is, time. Time waits for no one, and every year the great writers of today are at risk of dying. So far the Swedish Academy has neglected to honour some of the greatest writers of the previous century, such as the Syrian poet: Adunis; who during the last half of the twentieth century has reshaped and revolutionized Arabic poetry, in the same manner T.S. Eliot reshaped Anglophone poetry of the early twentieth century. Adunis, however, is just one of many.

For now though Gentle Reader, the Swedish Academy has declined to award a Nobel Laureate in Literature for two-thousand and eighteen; a wise but unfortunate decision. For many the highlight of literary season will pass with solemn silence, as the Swedish Academy reshapes, reconfigures, and works towards regaining the trust of all involved, and reestablish the awards honour, which has been severely tarnished by its in-house disagreements and divide.

Thank-you For Reading Gentle Reader

Take Care

And As Always

Stay Well Read

M. Mary

To Read the Swedish Academy Press Release See the Following Link -- 

http://www.svenskaakademien.se/en/press/the-swedish-academy-postpones-the-2018-nobel-prize-in-literature


For Further Reading --

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/may/04/nobel-prize-for-literature-2018-cancelled-after-sexual-assault-scandal?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other


For Prior Blogposts on the Swedish Academy Saga -- 


Shocking News from the Swedish Academy 

Swedish Academy Controversy (continued) 

Horace Engdahl Speaks Out 

A Shadow Over the Swedish Academy Darkens 

A Compromise Which Ends in Tears 

Swedish Academy Statutes Amended 

A Statement from the Swedish Academy 

Sara Stridsberg Officially Leaves the Swedish Academy