Category: Writers

F. Scott Fitzgerald, a renowned American writer, experienced a tumultuous life filled with rejection, love, and struggle with alcoholism. Despite initial setbacks, he achieved fame with “This Side of Paradise” and “The Great Gatsby.” His marriage to Zelda faltered amidst her schizophrenia diagnosis, and he battled financial difficulties and health issues before passing at age 44.

Victor Hugo, a Romantic writer born in 1802, achieved literary success early. His notable works include “Les Misérables” and “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.” Hugo also experienced political exile, yet his impact on French literature and society was profound. He passed away in 1885, and his funeral procession drew over two million mourners.

Sherwood Anderson, an American writer, faced family struggles and personal challenges. Despite quitting high school and experiencing a nervous breakdown, he pursued writing and switched jobs frequently. His novels delved into psychological themes and explored sexual freedom. Anderson’s life ended tragically in 1941, but his impactful work lives on.

Kenzaburō Ōe, a Japanese writer, was born in Ōse in 1935. Influenced by his grandmother’s storytelling, he later rebelled against the narrow education in militaristic Japan. His influential works, including “A Personal Matter,” depict personal trauma. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1994, he remained an advocate for democracy. Married to Yukari Itami, they had three children, one of whom, Hikari, lived with profound disabilities. Ōe passed away in 2023 at the age of 88, leaving behind a significant literary legacy.

Raymond Carver, an American poet and story writer, was born in Oregon in 1938. He married at nineteen and struggled to balance writing and work. Carver’s career saw ups and downs, with alcohol abuse affecting his teaching roles. He overcame his addiction but faced divorces and health issues. His minimalist style continues to influence writers today.

Toni Morrison, born in 1931, was an influential American writer. She achieved critical acclaim with novels like “The Bluest Eye,” “Song of Solomon,” and “Beloved,” winning prestigious awards including the Nobel Prize in Literature. In her late career, she coauthored children’s books and released her last novel, “God Help the Child,” in 2015. Morrison passed away in 2019, leaving a lasting legacy and receiving posthumous honors.

Donald Barthelme, an American postmodern novelist and short story writer, gained recognition for his unique literary style. Influenced by modern art and writers like Samuel Beckett and James Joyce, his work challenged traditional plot structures. As a mentor at the University of Houston, he prioritized his students over his own work. His extensive catalog of fiction continues to captivate readers worldwide.

Franz Kafka was a Jewish Austrian writer born in Prague in 1883. Known for his German-language works, he struggled with illness throughout his life and passed away at the age of 40. Despite his short life, he left an extensive literary legacy, notably including “The Metamorphosis” and “The Trial.”

Leo Tolstoy, born as Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy in 1828, became a renowned author despite never winning the Nobel Prize in Literature. He experienced a transformative journey, from a privileged youth to an advocate of democratic education and passive resistance. His notable works include “War and Peace” and “Anna Karenina,” leaving a lasting legacy even after his death in 1910.

George R. R. Martin, born in 1948, is a renowned novelist known for A Song of Ice and Fire, later adapted into the hit TV series Game of Thrones. His career began with short stories and novels such as Dying of the Light and Fevre Dream. Martin’s work has garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, leading to a significant impact on the fantasy genre.