Polish author Olga Tokarczuk is awarded the 2018 Nobel Prize in literature, while Austrian author Peter Handke receives the award for 2019. At present Tokarczuk is traveling in Germany. At a press conference there she comments on the award.
- I know I'm a pretty good writer, but I never in my life thought I'd get this kind of award, so I probably have to change my mind now, she says.
Olga Tokarczuk also says that she is happy to share the award year with Peter Handke.
- This award goes to Europe, which is unusual, fantastic indeed. And for me as a pollack, the award shows that even though there are so many problems with democracy in my country, we still have something to say to the world and we have a great literature, a great culture and I am part of a great force in my country - and in Europe.
"Don't feel any different"Olga Tokarczuk describes the writing process as something physical.
- Writing brings me to life. It is connected to my body, she says.
- I don't think I could live without writing even though my readers would tire and think that what I do is bad.
She does not know what the Nobel Prize in literature will mean for her continued writing.
- Everyone usually says that everything will be different. Now I don't feel very different, she says.
- We'll see how I feel tomorrow.