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Chinese writer Mo Yan, whose real name is Guan Moye, won the Nobel Prize in Literature on October 11.

The 57-year-old writer, a native of Gaomi in east China's Shandong Province, has used his hometown as the backdrop of many of his novels. His breakthrough came with the novel Red Sorghum, published in 1987. Other masterpieces include Big Breasts and Wide Hips, Life and Death Are Wearing Me Out, Frog, Pow, Shifu, You'll Do Anything for a Laugh, and The Republic of Wine.
Reaction

"I didn't have much expectation for the prize [Nobel Prize in Literature], since I thought I only had a slim chance of winning. There are so many good writers throughout the world, and in China. It's like I was standing in a long queue for a prize that is only awarded annually to one person worldwide. I'm definitely a Chinese writer and my works are part of Chinese literature. Although I have been honored with this award, I can't speak for all Chinese literature. Of course, the whole world will pay more attention to Chinese modern literature for a time due to my win, which can be rather positive. But the effect shouldn't be overestimated because literature is comparatively an isolated field, far less attractive to the public than movies or other forms of media." - Mo Yan

Quotes

"Mo Yan once described himself as having a behavior not consistent with his way of thinking. Mo might be timid and live a low-key life, but he is absolutely bold in his novels."

Wei Minglun, contemporary Chinese dramatist

"Mo Yan's win justifies his position in the world of literature. I can't say he is the best, but with no doubt, he is on the list of Chinese top writers. For good writers, they have independent and imaginative minds; therefore, their identities won't become obstacles of their creation."

Cao Yuanyong, Associate Editor in Chief of Shanghai Literature and Art Publishing House, publisher and translator. He is the senior editor of Mo Yan's Frog

"A writer won't forget his roots no matter how far he goes. Mo Yan's decades of writing experience have proven that, which touches me a lot. The biggest achievement from the Nobel prize is if it can increase interest in Chinese literature, especially for readers in Hong Kong, where literature is seen as out of date."

Ge Liang, writer, assistant professor in Hong Kong Baptist University

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News
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- Mo Yan Calls for More Attention to Chinese Literature
In-depth: Another First for China
Writing enables Mo Yan to do what he dares not do in real life. He is brave in revealing and criticizing the dark side of society in his works. But in daily life, he is careful and considerate
- Mo Yan's Nobel Lecture: Storytellers
- Bridging Cultures
- Forum: Are Mo Yan's Works Suitable for Textbooks?
- Q&A with Mo Yan
 
Selected Works
Screen Adaptation
 
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