This year's Nobel Laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah was unknown to many.
Also for several members of the Swedish-Tanzanian association, SVETAN.
- This is a little embarrassing.
I myself have lived in Tanzania and been involved in SVETAN for many years, but I reacted with 'Oh, I have to google this, because I actually do not know who he is', says Emma Kreü who is a member of the board.
Hoping for lift for writers from Africa
Although neither Emma Kreü nor Rehema Prick had read Abdulrazak Gurnah, they are happy that an African author was awarded the prize.
- This does not only apply to Tanzania, but it reflects the entire African continent, says Rehema Prick.
The Nobel Prize in Literature began to be awarded in 1901. Of the 118 authors awarded the prize, 23 have been from countries outside Europe and North America.
But Gurnah's award can be a boost, Emma Kreü and Rehema Prick hope.
- I think that many of the authors who are published nationally will make attempts or have hopes of becoming internationally recognized.
There are very many and exciting writers from East Africa who I think could hit big internationally, if they only got the chance, says Emma Kreü.
Can follow in the footsteps of Wa Thiong'o
Tanzania has two official languages, Swahili and English.
Abdulrazak Gurnah's books are written on the latter.
- I understand that you write in English.
It is one of the officially recognized languages in Tanzania.
But I want more writers to reach the recognition that they can do as Ngugi Wa Thiong'o from Kenya who writes in his own tribal language and is still being translated and internationally read, says Emma Kreü.
After yesterday's announcement, Gurnah's books have been sold out at several booksellers.
Emma Kreü and Rehema Prick will start and chase books.
- You want to know what it is in his writing that has led to this award, says Emma Kreü.