George Konrad

Date of Birth: April 2, 1933

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: September 13, 2019

Biography

George Konrád was a renowned Hungarian novelist, essayist, and sociologist, widely recognized for his poignant and insightful literary contributions that often explored themes of individual freedom, totalitarianism, and social justice. Born on April 2, 1933, in Berettyóújfalu, Hungary, Konrád survived the harrowing experiences of World War II and the Holocaust, which profoundly influenced his later works. Konrád’s literary career began in the 1960s, and he quickly gained acclaim for his ability to weave complex narratives that depicted the struggles of human existence under oppressive regimes. His novels, such as “The Case Worker” (1969) and “The Loser” (1988), are celebrated for their deep psychological insight and bold critique of political systems. Apart from his novels, Konrád was also an influential essayist and public intellectual, contributing significantly to debates on democracy and human rights. Throughout his career, Konrád received numerous awards and honors, including the prestigious Herder Prize and the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade. He passed away on September 13, 2019, leaving behind a legacy of profound literary and intellectual contributions.

5 Interesting Facts about George Konrad

1. George Konrád survived the Holocaust as a child, an experience that deeply influenced his literary work.

2. He was a prominent dissident during the Communist regime in Hungary, often facing censorship and surveillance.

3. Konrád served as the president of the International PEN, an association of writers, from 1990 to 1993.

4. His novel “The Case Worker” is considered a seminal work in post-war European literature.

5. Konrád was awarded the Charlemagne Prize in 2001 for his efforts to promote European unity.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Konrad

1. “Freedom is not something that one people can bestow on another as a gift. They claim it as their own and none can keep it from them.”

2. “Writing is the only way to talk without being interrupted.”

3. “A writer’s job is to tell the truth.”

4. “The real history is made up of the silent moments of ordinary people’s lives.”

5. “In a democracy, dissent is an act of faith.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While specific figures regarding George Konrád’s net worth are not widely documented, his highest net worth is estimated to have been in the range of $1 million to $5 million, primarily derived from his literary works and intellectual contributions.