# André Brink

> South African writer (1935–2015)

**Wikidata**: [Q380664](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q380664)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/André_Brink)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/andre-brink

## Summary
André Brink was a South African writer, translator, and academic known for his significant contributions to literature and his opposition to apartheid. His works, often written in Afrikaans and English, explored themes of racial injustice and human rights, earning him international acclaim and numerous awards, including the Prix Médicis étranger and the Order of Ikhamanga.

## Biography
- **Born**: May 29, 1935
- **Died**: February 6, 2015
- **Nationality**: South African
- **Education**: University of the Witwatersrand, University of Paris (Sorbonne)
- **Known for**: Writing novels that challenged apartheid and explored themes of racial injustice
- **Employer(s)**: University of Cape Town, North-West University
- **Field(s)**: Literature, Translation, Academia

## Contributions
André Brink was a prolific writer whose works included novels, plays, and translations. His notable contributions include:
- **Novels**: Brink wrote numerous novels that critiqued apartheid and explored themes of racial injustice. Some of his most famous works include "A Dry White Season" (1979), which was adapted into a film, and "Rumours of Rain" (1978), which won the Prix Médicis étranger.
- **Translations**: Brink translated works from Afrikaans to English and vice versa, making significant contributions to the accessibility of South African literature.
- **Academic Work**: As a professor at the University of Cape Town and North-West University, Brink influenced numerous students and contributed to the academic study of literature.
- **Awards and Recognition**: Brink received numerous awards for his literary work, including the Prix Médicis étranger, the Order of Ikhamanga, and the Reina Prinsen Geerligs prize. He was also awarded honorary doctorates from several universities, including the University of the Witwatersrand, the Catholic University of Louvain, the University of Pretoria, the University of the Free State, and the University of Montpellier-III.

## FAQs
### Q: What is André Brink known for?
A: André Brink is known for his novels that challenged apartheid and explored themes of racial injustice. His works, often written in Afrikaans and English, earned him international acclaim and numerous awards.

### Q: Where did André Brink study?
A: André Brink studied at the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of Paris (Sorbonne).

### Q: What awards did André Brink receive?
A: André Brink received several awards, including the Prix Médicis étranger, the Order of Ikhamanga, and the Reina Prinsen Geerligs prize. He was also awarded honorary doctorates from several universities.

### Q: What are some of André Brink's most famous works?
A: Some of André Brink's most famous works include "A Dry White Season" (1979) and "Rumours of Rain" (1978), which won the Prix Médicis étranger.

### Q: Where did André Brink work?
A: André Brink worked as a professor at the University of Cape Town and North-West University.

### Q: What themes did André Brink explore in his writing?
A: André Brink explored themes of racial injustice, human rights, and the impact of apartheid in his writing.

## Why They Matter
André Brink's work had a profound impact on South African literature and the global understanding of apartheid. His novels, which often critiqued the apartheid system, brought international attention to the racial injustices in South Africa. Brink's contributions to literature and his opposition to apartheid have left a lasting legacy, influencing both the literary world and the broader struggle for human rights.

## Notable For
- **Literary Awards**: Prix Médicis étranger, Order of Ikhamanga, Reina Prinsen Geerligs prize
- **Honorary Doctorates**: University of the Witwatersrand, Catholic University of Louvain, University of Pretoria, University of the Free State, University of Montpellier-III
- **Notable Works**: "A Dry White Season" (1979), "Rumours of Rain" (1978)
- **Academic Influence**: Professor at the University of Cape Town and North-West University
- **Translation Work**: Translated works from Afrikaans to English and vice versa

## Body
### Early Life and Education
André Brink was born on May 29, 1935, in South Africa. He studied at the University of the Witwatersrand and later at the University of Paris (Sorbonne), where he furthered his education in literature and languages.

### Literary Career
Brink began his literary career writing in Afrikaans but later switched to English to reach a broader audience. His novels often explored themes of racial injustice and the impact of apartheid. Some of his most famous works include "A Dry White Season" (1979), which was adapted into a film, and "Rumours of Rain" (1978), which won the Prix Médicis étranger.

### Academic Career
Brink was a professor at the University of Cape Town and North-West University, where he influenced numerous students and contributed to the academic study of literature. His academic work complemented his literary career, allowing him to share his insights and experiences with future generations of writers and scholars.

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Brink received numerous awards for his literary work. These include the Prix Médicis étranger, the Order of Ikhamanga, and the Reina Prinsen Geerligs prize. He was also awarded honorary doctorates from several universities, including the University of the Witwatersrand, the Catholic University of Louvain, the University of Pretoria, the University of the Free State, and the University of Montpellier-III.

### Translation Work
Brink was also a translator, working to make South African literature more accessible by translating works from Afrikaans to English and vice versa. His translation work helped to bridge the linguistic divide in South Africa and brought the country's literature to a wider audience.

### Legacy
André Brink's contributions to literature and his opposition to apartheid have left a lasting legacy. His works continue to be studied and appreciated for their insights into the human condition and their critique of racial injustice. Brink's influence extends beyond South Africa, impacting the global literary community and the broader struggle for human rights.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. Dictionary of African Biography
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. [Source](http://www.sahistory.org.za/people/ingrid-jonker)
6. [Journal officiel de la République française. 1998](http://legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000000374532)
7. Encyclopedia.com
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23. [Source](https://thebookerprizes.com/the-booker-library/books/an-instant-in-the-wind)
24. [Source](https://thebookerprizes.com/the-booker-library/books/philida)
25. [Source](https://thebookerprizes.com/the-booker-library/books/rumours-of-rain)
26. CONOR.SI
27. BBC Things
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29. LIBRIS. 2015
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