Anne Carson and Can Xue Lead Nobel Literature Odds

Canadian poet Anne Carson and Chinese experimental writer Can Xue are the bookmakers' favourites to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, according to reports by the Guardian and iGaming.org. The winner of the award is scheduled to be announced on Thursday by the Swedish Academy. [1][2][3]

The Guardian reported that Ladbrokes placed both Carson and Can Xue at 10/1 odds. Japanese author Haruki Murakami, Australian writer Gerald Murnane, and Canadian author Margaret Atwood are also among the contenders for the honour. The Nobel Prize carries a financial award of 12 million Swedish krona, which is approximately £900,000. [1][2]

Carson is 76 years old and is known for combining poetry and prose into a hybrid style. She was born in Toronto, Ontario, and earned a bachelor's degree, master's degree, and doctorate in classics from the University of Toronto, writing her dissertation on the poet Sappho. She also completed studies at the University of St Andrews. [1][4][6]

The upcoming decision follows the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature, which was awarded to South Korean author Han Kang. The Swedish Academy announced Han Kang as the winner on 10 October 2024 for her intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas. [5]