Date of Birth: February 17, 1955
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Biography
Mo Yan, born Guan Moye, is a renowned Chinese novelist and recipient of the 2012 Nobel Prize in Literature. Born on February 17, 1955, in Gaomi County, Shandong Province, Mo Yan adopted his pen name, which translates to “Don’t Speak,” as a reminder to himself to tread carefully in China’s political climate. His works are known for their hallucinatory realism and vivid storytelling, often drawing on his experiences growing up in rural China. Mo Yan’s most famous works include “Red Sorghum,” “Big Breasts and Wide Hips,” and “Life and Death Are Wearing Me Out.” His writing often explores themes of corruption, political oppression, and the human spirit’s resilience.
5 Interesting Facts about Mo Yan
1. Mo Yan chose his pen name, which means “Don’t Speak,” as a caution against speaking too freely in a country with strict censorship laws.
2. He is the first Chinese citizen to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.
3. His novel “Red Sorghum” was adapted into an internationally acclaimed film by director Zhang Yimou.
4. Mo Yan spent several years in the People’s Liberation Army, where he began his writing career.
5. He has been criticized for his ambiguous stance on Chinese political issues, with some accusing him of being too close to the Chinese government.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Mo Yan
1. “I am a storyteller; my aim is to tell a good story.”
2. “A writer should bury his thoughts deep and convey them through the characters in his novel.”
3. “I write about people who have been oppressed and manipulated.”
4. “Literature must be rich, passionate, and full of contradictions.”
5. “I don’t think about winning prizes; I just write what I want to write.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Mo Yan’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Mo Yan has a daughter named Guan Xiaoxiao, who has also pursued a career in literature.
Relevant Links
1. [Mo Yan – Nobel Prize](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/literature/2012/mo-yan/biographical/
2. [Mo Yan – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mo_Yan
3. [Mo Yan’s Books on Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14939.Mo_Yan
