The Pulitzer for Fiction

“Actors, politicians, and writers—all of us are but creatures of the hour. Long-lasting fame comes to but few.” – Louis L’Amour

Congratulations to the 2009 Pulitzer Winner for fiction, announced on the 20th, Olive Kitteridge, by Elizabeth Strout.

I suppose all authors at one time or another dream of receiving some sort of book award. A prestigious award such as the Pulitzer, would be a meaningful acknowledgment of the hard labor that goes into creating a book, instantly boosting the author to fame and immortality. However, according to a recent article, And The Pulitzer For Forgotten Fiction Goes To... on NPR.org that scenario is not necessarily the case.

Sure we all remember Gone with the Wind and The Grapes of Wrath. But do you recall His Family by Ernest Poole, Lamb in His Bosom by Caroline Miller, The Edge of Sadness by Edwin O'Connor, or any of the other books on NPR’s “… Unscientific List Of Least-Known Fiction Winners?”

The article asks… “Were these books great in their time, but only in their time? Were the Pulitzer jurors simply out to lunch? Or maybe the literary pickings are just slim some years.”

I admit, I have not read or even heard about the books on their list. But, I think the fault may be mine and not that of the books or the authors. And, perhaps the books that are remembered, like Gone with The Wind, reached immortality with the aid of Hollywood.

Only time will tell if this year’s winner, Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout, ends up on the remembered or forgotten list.

Have you read any of the books mentioned? Do you have any forgotten books to add to the list? Why do you think some award winning books are never forgotten while others are?

Thanks for stopping by.

Tags: L’Amour, Pulitzer, Olive Kitteridge, Elizabeth Strout, NPR, Gone With the Wind, Grapes of Wrath, forgotten fiction,