Russian author Ulitskaya wins Park Kyung-ni literary prize

Russian author Ludmila Ulitskaya received the Park Kyung-ni literary prize at a ceremony held in Wonju, Gangwon Province, on Friday.

Ulitskaya, 69, is the author of more than 14 novels and short stories including “Daniel Stein, Interpreter,” “Kukotsky’s Case” and “Sonechka.”

Having worked in the field of genetics and biochemistry, the author debuted with her first novel “Sonechka” when she was 40 and instantly rose to prominence in the literary scene. She has also won prestigious literary awards, including the Russian Booker Prize in 2002 and Medici Prize 1998. 

The award organizer, the Toji Foundation of Culture, said the author was chosen for her literary themes that shed light on everyday life and social, political issues that are well presented in her writing as well as the author’s social influence and involvement in philanthropic projects through literature.

“I feel delighted to have genetic links with Korea’s greatest author Park Kyung-ni in that we share common literary subjects that shed light on family, dignity, honor and dedication,” said Ulitskaya at the ceremony.

The author also mentioned Park’s literary legacy that transcends time and borders.

“We meet a new world through literature and movies. And Park’s novels have special meanings in that her works are like an encyclopedia of Koreans way of life to all of us. The novel based in Tongyeong, the life in the small island is a metaphor to the life of all Koreans,” she said.

The literary award was established last year to honor the late novelist Park Kyung-ni. The first recipient was the Korean novelist Choi In-hoon, author of “The Plaza.”

By Lee Woo-young (wylee@heraldcorp.com)