Author
Nadine Gordimer
Birth Date
November 20, 1923
(90 Years)
Death Date
July 13, 2014
Associated Country
South Africa
Nadine Gordimer (1923–2014) was a South African novelist, short story writer, and political activist, widely regarded as one of the most important voices in 20th-century literature. She was born in Springs and began writing at a young age, publishing her first short story when she was just 15.
Gordimer’s work is deeply rooted in the realities of apartheid-era South Africa, exploring themes of racial injustice, moral responsibility, and personal and political conflict. Her novels, including Burger’s Daughter (1979) and July’s People (1981), offer powerful critiques of apartheid society and its impact on both Black and white South Africans. In 1991, she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for her “magnificent epic writing” that has been of great benefit to humanity.
In addition to her literary achievements, Gordimer was actively involved in the anti-apartheid movement and often faced censorship for her outspoken views. Her writing is known for its moral seriousness, psychological depth, and unwavering engagement with social justice.
Gordimer’s work is deeply rooted in the realities of apartheid-era South Africa, exploring themes of racial injustice, moral responsibility, and personal and political conflict. Her novels, including Burger’s Daughter (1979) and July’s People (1981), offer powerful critiques of apartheid society and its impact on both Black and white South Africans. In 1991, she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for her “magnificent epic writing” that has been of great benefit to humanity.
In addition to her literary achievements, Gordimer was actively involved in the anti-apartheid movement and often faced censorship for her outspoken views. Her writing is known for its moral seriousness, psychological depth, and unwavering engagement with social justice.
Books
The Pickup 2013
When Julie Summers's car breaks down on a street in Cape Town, a young Arab mechanic comes to her aid. Their attraction to each other is immediate. Julia, the daughter of a powerful business man, is...
The House Gun 2012
A house gun, like a house cat: a fact of ordinary daily life. How else can you defend yourself against intruders and thieves in post-apartheid South Africa? The respected executive director of an...
None to Accompany Me 2012
The Nobel Prize–winning author Nadine Gordimer tells the emotional story of two couples, one black and one white, whose complex relationships evolve as they face the hazards and hopes of...
Over the past sixty years, Nobel Prize–winner Nadine Gordimer has chronicled the lives of South Africans with wrenching passion and strong moral resonance, cementing her position as one of South...
Life Times 2011
A selection of short stories written to date by Nobel Laureate Nadine Gordimer, Life Times reveals her acute understanding of human nature and paints a fascinatingly original portrait of South Africa....
Always exploring the boundaries of race, identity, politics, memory, sexuality, and love with fearless insight and deep compassion, Nadine Gordimer has produced another masterpiece of short fiction....
Get a Life 2006
Nobel Prize winner Nadine Gordimer follows the inner lives of characters confronted by unforeseen circumstances. Paul Bannerman, an ecologist in South Africa, believes he understands the trajectory of...
With her characteristic brilliance, Nobel Prize winner Nadine Gordimer follows the inner lives of characters confronted by unforeseen circumstances. An earthquake offers tragedy and opportunity in the...
A Sport of Nature 1988
Hillela is Nadine Gordimer's "sport of nature": a spontaneous mutation, a new type of untainted person, she is seductive and intuitively gifted for life. A Sport of Nature is the bold, sweeping story...
The Conservationist 1983
Mehring is rich. He has all the privileges and possessions that South Africa has to offer, but his possessions refuse to remain objects.
His wife, son, and mistress leave him; his foreman and workers...
July's People 1982
For years, it had been what is called a “deteriorating situation.” Now all over South Africa the cities are battlegrounds. The members of the Smales family—liberal whites—are rescued from the terror...
Burger's Daughter 1980
This is the moving story of the unforgettable Rosa Burger, a young woman from South Africa cast in the mold of a revolutionary tradition. Rosa tries to uphold her heritage handed on by martyred...