Born in Gyula, Hungary, in 1954, László Krasznahorkai is only the second Hungarian to receive this honor. Known for his difficult and demanding novels, often labelled postmodern, with dystopian and melancholic theme. Krasznahorkai gained recognition in 1985 with the publication of his novel "Satantango." 

His extensive body of work includes numerous novels, novellas, and short stories, and he is also known for his significant collaboration with director Béla Tarr in adapting his works into films. His novels include Satantango, The Melancholy of Resistance, War and War, Seiobo There Below, The Baron Wenckheim’s Homecoming. 

Krasznahorkai gained wider global prominence after his 1989 novel The Melancholy of Resistance was translated into English in 2000, fueling a desire for more translations of his work. He would go on to win the 2015 Man Booker International prize and the 2019 National Book Award for translated literature. 

In a recent interview, László Krasznahorkai reflected on his journey as a writer with great satisfaction. He revealed that he had never initially set out to be a writer; he had only intended to write one book. However, after concluding that "Satantango" was not perfect, he chose to write a second book to improve upon its shortcomings.