Canadian author Anne Carson wins literature Nobel for 'bold and inventive' works that blend genres

Canadian author Anne Carson won the Nobel Prize in Literature on Thursday for “bold and inventive” works that blend classical and modern influences while blurring poetry and prose. The Toronto-born writer, 76, draws on themes from Greek and Roman literature, modern influences and personal experience, with genre-mixing titles ranging from translations of ancient poets to collaborations with dancers and musicians such as Laurie Anderson and Lou Reed. The Swedish Academy said she was honored for an inventive body of work in playful dialogue with the classics that created new forms for contemporary literature. Carson became the third Canadian-born recipient after Alice Munro (2013) and Saul Bellow (1976). She said she was notified while in Iceland and joked to Icelandic broadcaster RUV, “I think they’re all crazy,” about the usual questions and no clear answers.