When we write about Auschwitz, we must know that Auschwitz, in a certain sense at least, suspended literature. One can only write a black novel about Auschwitz or - you should excuse the expression - a cheap serial, which begins in Auschwitz and is still not over. Imre Kertesz auschwitzbeginblack share on social
I am no historian, but Hungary is a country which has never known democracy - and by that, I mean not a democratic political system, but an organic process which has mobilised the entire country's society. In the case of Hungary, this development was blocked by the growth of the Ottoman empire in the 16th century. Imre Kertesz 16thblockcase share on social
The Holocaust survivor who knows Auschwitz through the experience of suffering observes it all from the perspective assigned to him. He keeps silent or gives interviews to the Spielberg Foundation, he accepts the compensation payments promised him after a fifty-year delay, or, if he is prominent, he makes a speech in the Swedish Academy. Imre Kertesz academyacceptassign share on social
I was interned in Auschwitz for one year. I didn't bring back anything, except for a few jokes, and that filled me with shame. Then again, I didn't know what to do with this fresh experience. For this experience was no literary awakening, no occasion for professional or artistic introspection. Imre Kertesz artisticauschwitzawaken share on social
A book is either autobiography or a novel. Imre Kertesz autobiographybook Change image and share on social
I came from two harsh dictatorships, Nazi and Stalinist. I never thought of becoming a writer as such, yet in a lucid moment, I recognised what I had to do. Imre Kertesz dictatorshipharshlucid Change image and share on social
Writing changed my life. It has an existential dimension, and that's the same for every writer. Every artist has a moment of awakening, of happening upon an idea that grabs hold of you, regardless of whether you are a painter or a writer. Imre Kertesz artistawakenchange share on social
In a democracy, you have to find a market niche, make sure a novel is 'interesting' and 'spectacular.' That may be the toughest censorship of all. Imre Kertesz censorshipdemocracyfind Change image and share on social
I think a man turns into a writer by editing his own texts. Imre Kertesz editmantext Change image and share on social
If there is such a thing as freedom, then there is no fate. Imre Kertesz fatefreedomthing Change image and share on social