Robert Menasse, born in 1954 in Vienna, established his literary career by exploring themes of alienation and the complexities of Austrian identity. An accomplished writer, translator, and essayist, he spent significant time residing in Brazil, an experience that heavily influenced his early semi-autobiographical novels before he returned to Europe to engage with broader political themes surrounding the European Union.
Academic Background and Early Years
Menasse studied philosophy, political science, and German studies across institutions in Vienna, Salzburg, and Messina. In 1980, he completed his doctoral thesis regarding the outsider phenotype within the literary industry. Following his studies, he moved to Brazil, where he worked as a junior lecturer at the Institute of Literature Theory at the University of São Paulo between 1981 and 1988.
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His debut novel, Sinnliche Gewissheit, appeared in 1988, marking the beginning of the Trilogie der Entgeisterung. His subsequent work, including Wings of Stone, Reverse Thrust, and Expulsion from Hell, often utilizes irony and sarcasm to address human alienation. His writing frequently critiques latent antisemitism in German-speaking regions and challenges the assumed objectivity of historical narratives.
Political Commentary and The Capital
Menasse has frequently turned his focus toward the European Union, criticizing re-nationalization and anti-integration sentiments following the 2008 financial crisis. His 2017 analytical novel, The Capital, explores the inner workings of the EU Commission in Brussels. This work, which received the German Book Prize, follows officials navigating the complexities of European identity and historical memory.
Awards and Professional Affiliations
His contributions to literature and cultural journalism have earned him numerous honors, including the Joseph-Breitbach-Preis and the Friedrich-Hölderlin-Preis in 2002, the Erich Fried Prize in 2003, and the Lion-Feuchtwanger-Preis. He is a member of the German Academy for Language and Literature and has curated residency programs with the One World Foundation in Sri Lanka since 2011.
Fast facts
- Born: 1954, Vienna
- Citizenship: Austria
- Occupations: Writer, translator, essayist, literary scholar
- Education: University of Vienna, University of São Paulo
- Notable Work: The Capital (2017)
- Member: German Academy for Language and Literature
- Languages: German
Questions readers ask
What is the subject of the novel The Capital?
It is an analytical work focused on officials within the EU Commission in Brussels and their interactions with European identity.
Did Menasse live outside of Austria?
Yes, he worked in Brazil for several years at the University of São Paulo and has lived in Amsterdam and Berlin.
Achievements
- Affiliated with University of São Paulo
- Educated at University of São Paulo and University of Vienna
- Worked as translator, writer and essayist
