Passion or Profession: Author

Period: 1923–

Since 1949, Nadine Gordimer has published novels, essays, nonfiction, and short stories. Best known as a fiction writer, Gordimer writes narratives describing the lives of average South Africans. Gordimer's writings deal with the issues surrounding apartheid, and since its end in 1990, her works have continued to focus on its social and political effects. She was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature in 1991.