Interview: Alice Munro, 2013 Nobel Prize Laureate in Literature

Transcript

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Summary

This conversation is between Adam Smith and Alice Munro, who is being congratulated for her achievement in the short story field. They discuss her initial reaction, her body of work, the impact of the award, and her future plans. Munro expresses her hope for the recognition of the short story genre as an independent art form.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Alice Munro hear the news about her achievement?

Alice Munro initially heard the news through a call from the press while she was wandering around in the morning. She was in disbelief and ecstatic about the recognition.

Q: Has Alice Munro changed as a writer over the years?

According to Munro, it is hard for her to judge how much she has changed as a writer, but she believes someone else could provide a better answer to that question.

Q: How will the award bring a new readership to Alice Munro's work?

Alice Munro hopes that the award will not only bring attention to her work but also to the short story genre as a whole. She wants the recognition to dispel the notion that short stories are merely stepping stones to writing a novel.

Q: Which book does Alice Munro suggest as a starting point for new readers of her work?

Although Alice Munro values her latest book, "Dear Life," she suggests that new readers start there and then explore her earlier works as well.

Q: Did the announcement of Alice Munro's retirement from writing change after receiving the award?

Alice Munro had previously announced her retirement from writing, wanting to take it easy after years of work. However, she playfully suggests that this newfound recognition might change her mind and encourage her to continue writing.

Q: When will Adam Smith and Alice Munro have another conversation?

They plan to speak again once the initial buzz has subsided and Alice Munro has recovered from her tiredness.

Q: How would Alice Munro describe her overall feeling after receiving the award?

Alice Munro expresses her delight and excitement, but also admits to feeling tired and woozy after speaking to numerous people about her achievement.

Takeaways

Alice Munro's recognition as a distinguished writer in the short story genre has brought immense happiness and a renewed appreciation for the art form. She hopes that beyond her own work, this award will lead to a greater recognition and respect for short stories as a means of storytelling, without being overshadowed by the expectation of writing a novel.