Icelandic writers Jón Kalman and Sjón are in tenth and eleventh spot on a speculative list of those most likely to be named this year’s Nobel laureate for literature, according to Swedish national broadcasters.
Sjón (Sigurjón Birgir Sigurðsson) is a poet, novelist, and lyricist, whose work has been translated into 30 languages. He was awarded the Nordic Council Literature Prize in 2005. Jón Kalman is a novelist and poet. His novel fish have no feet was nominated for the Man Booker International Prize this year.
In an interview on Swedish television, Jón Kalman stated if he were to win the prize he would invest in a nice bottle of single malt whiskey and get very drunk with his friends. He himself, however, hopes to see the honour bestowed on Spanish writer Javier Marías.
This year’s Nobel laureate for literature is set to be announced tomorrow, October 5th. Bob Dylan was the surprising recipient of the prestigious honour last year.
