Danish cheers for Doris Lessing
Today something happened that I have been waiting for for about 18 or 20 years.
That doesn't come from me, but from Luci, in Copenhagen. She's talking about Doris Lessing, the writer who was awarded today with the Nobel Prize for Literature.
Luci sent us a passionate email, telling us about the huge following Doris Lessing has in Denmark.
Have a look at what she had to say and tell us what you think.
Are you a Doris Lessing fan too? What does her work say to you?
The most visionary person on the planet: do you agree? What writers are on your list for next year's Nobel Prize?
LUCI'S EMAIL:
Today something happened that I have been waiting for for about 18 or 20 years. The Swedish Academy chose to give DORIS LESSING the Nobel Prize for Literature! For years, I have been trying do convince everybody that this is not only the most important writer in the English Language - but also the most visionary person on the Planet. Congratulations, Doris Lessing! I am at my small local library branch in Copenhagen that has a large concentration of Pakistani and Afghan and Turkish and Palestinian and Roma and Iraqui and Irani and Danish girls who read a lot. The librarian is organizing an exhibition of Doris Lessing's books. When I came in excited about who had won the Nobel Prize, and said, "The most visionary person on the planet", the librarian guessed. " Doris Lessing!" We look forward to not having to explain everything to the next generations. And to all of the girls and women and men who will learn from this sage. Whenever I have taught English, I have gotten my students to read Doris Lessing. I am working on a translation of her book of essays, Prisons We Choose to Live Inside. It is a Labour of Love. I have never met Doris Lessing or heard her speak in person, but I always listen when she is on the World Service and I absolutely adore her. Especially when she is critical and cranky. Please keep it up in your speech, Mrs. Doris Lessing! We love you for it! There is no comparing Doris Lessing with any other living writer. The librarian and I and the women who are manning the desks are all very happy! The sun is not shining in Copenhagen today, but our eyes are! And soon, inspired by a real woman who writes about everything under the sun, some of us are going to get started.I always thought one had to write the first book by the age of 32, but nowadays, with the technical things that are available, the biggest problem will be finding people who like to read!
All the Best,
Luci Smith
Copenhagen, Denmark
P.S. This is also Great News for Nans and "Older"- the Danish word for Great Grandmothers (slang).
Tillykke til alle Older! Respect!
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