In 2011, Liu Zhenyun won China's highest literary honor, the Mao Dun Literature Prize, for his novel 'Someone to Talk To.' His works have been translated into multiple languages and adapted into classic films. Recently, Liu has been awarded the Italian International North-South Literary Prize, becoming the first Chinese writer to receive the accolade. The jury praised his "philosophical insight and humor that transcend cultural barriers."
67-year-old Liu Zhenyun graduated from Peking University with a degree in Chinese literature. He is now a professor at Renmin University of China's School of Liberal Arts and a member of the National Committee of the China Writers Association. Liu focuses on the lives of grassroots citizens and is adept at dark humor, depicting the predicament of ordinary people within history and society.
The Italian International North-South Literary Prize, which Liu received, is adjudicated by a panel of Italian scholars, writers, and critics. It emphasizes an international outlook as well as the literary value and social significance of works. Past recipients include Nobel Prize in Literature winners such as Elias Canetti and Peter Handke, making it widely recognized as one of Europe's most prestigious literary awards.
The jury stated that Liu was honored for the unique philosophy and humor within his work, which have left a profound impact on readers of various languages. Additionally, the character of the Italian missionary "Old Zhan" in his representative work 'Someone to Talk To' has become a key symbol linking Chinese and Italian cultures.
In his acceptance speech, Liu Zhenyun underscored the essential role of translation and especially thanked Italian sinologist Patrizia Liberati for her efforts in translating and introducing his works.
Liu Zhenyun's notable works include 'I'm Liu Yuejin,' 'Someone to Talk To,' 'I Am Not Madame Bovary,' 'Chicken Feathers Everywhere,' 'Three Autumns a Day,' and 'Back to 1942,' all of which have garnered much attention.
Some of his widely shared quotes include, "Do not make decisions for anyone else: if it succeeds, there is no credit, if it fails, there is blame," "Those who seem generous at heart are actually dull-witted," and "Life is about living forward, not backward," striking a deep chord with many. Internet users praise Liu Zhenyun's works for "expressing the depths of human nature in the simplest of language."
The Italian International North-South Literary Prize, which Liu received, is adjudicated by a panel of Italian scholars, writers, and critics. It emphasizes an international outlook as well as the literary value and social significance of works. Past recipients include Nobel Prize in Literature winners such as Elias Canetti and Peter Handke, making it widely recognized as one of Europe's most prestigious literary awards.
The jury stated that Liu was honored for the unique philosophy and humor within his work, which have left a profound impact on readers of various languages. Additionally, the character of the Italian missionary "Old Zhan" in his representative work 'Someone to Talk To' has become a key symbol linking Chinese and Italian cultures.
In his acceptance speech, Liu Zhenyun underscored the essential role of translation and especially thanked Italian sinologist Patrizia Liberati for her efforts in translating and introducing his works.
Liu Zhenyun's notable works include 'I'm Liu Yuejin,' 'Someone to Talk To,' 'I Am Not Madame Bovary,' 'Chicken Feathers Everywhere,' 'Three Autumns a Day,' and 'Back to 1942,' all of which have garnered much attention.
Some of his widely shared quotes include, "Do not make decisions for anyone else: if it succeeds, there is no credit, if it fails, there is blame," "Those who seem generous at heart are actually dull-witted," and "Life is about living forward, not backward," striking a deep chord with many. Internet users praise Liu Zhenyun's works for "expressing the depths of human nature in the simplest of language."