Norwegian author Jo Nesbø will be awarded this year's Peer Gynt Prize for his international success and for thus helping to put Norway on the world map of international litterature.
The award is named for Peer Gynt, the main character of Ibsen's play of the same name. The Peer Gynt Award is an honor which is awarded to individuals and institutions who have exercised social responsibility and highlighted Norway internationally.
Nesbø's books have been translated into 40 languages. He is best known for his crime novels with Harry Hole as a recurring character. His books have been sold in more than two million copies in Norway alone.
- I am very happy and honored to receive the award as the year's Peer Gynt, says Jo Nesbø.
The award was presented for the first time in 1971, given to a person or institution that has made its mark in a positive way on the philanthropic plan and who has helped make Norway known abroad.
A number of famous people have previously received the award. The first was Labour Party politician Einar Gerhardsen, who recived the award for his efforts as prime minister in the reconstruction of the country after the war.
The Prize Award Ceremony is held at the Peer Gynt Festival at Vinstra , North of Lillehammer, during the annual Peer Gynt Festival. Parlamentary members and former winners of the Peer Gynt Prize may propose candidates for the award. The Norwegian Parliament (Storting) decides who will get the award, and the prize is also presented by a Member of Parliament.
Jens Stoltenberg, Marit Bjøgen, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Gro Harlem Brundtland and Thor Heyerdahl are also among previous winners.
NRK/The Norway Post
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