Author: J. M. Coetzee
Books
Disgrace | 1999 | |
Life & Times of Michael K | 1983 | |
Summertime | 2009 |
J. M. Coetzee, born on February 9, 1940, in Cape Town, South Africa, is a distinguished novelist, essayist, and academic renowned for his profound exploration of complex social and political themes. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in English and mathematics from the University of Cape Town before earning his Ph.D. in literature from the University of Texas at Austin. A luminary in contemporary fiction, Coetzee is celebrated for his sparse, yet intensely evocative prose.
His early works, such as "Dusklands" (1974) and "In the Heart of the Country" (1977), established him as a formidable voice in literature. However, it was with "Waiting for the Barbarians" (1980) and "Life & Times of Michael K" (1983) that he gained international acclaim. Coetzee's narratives often deal with themes of colonialism, power, and the human condition, reflecting his South African heritage and global sensibilities.
In 2002, he emigrated to Australia, where he became an Australian citizen, continuing his literary career while also engaging in academic roles, including serving as a professor of literature. Coetzee’s contribution to literature has earned him numerous accolades, including the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2003.