Irish author Colm Tóibín will receive the Bodley Medal, which honors "individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the worlds of books and literature, libraries, media and communications, science, and philanthropy," for his contribution to the world of literature. He will be presented with the award March 30 at the FT Weekend Oxford Literary Festival when he delivers the annual Bodley Lecture.
"I feel honored and thrilled to receive this medal," Tóibín said. "This is mainly because many of its recipients are writers I admire deeply, but also because of the Bodleian Libraries and their distinguished history. I write novels tentatively and, no matter how much I revise, am never sure if I get things right. Being recognized in this way helps to validate work done and encourage further efforts. And for that I am very grateful."
Tóibín will give the 2023 Bodley Lecture in conversation with Richard Ovenden, Bodley's Librarian and Head of Gardens, Libraries and Museums at Oxford University. Ovenden called Tóibín "one of the most thought-provoking writers of our times. His novels range from the treatment of contemporary themes in a nuanced and considered way, to dealing with timeless cultural issues with great sensitivity. His essay writing is as powerful as his fiction, and marked by profound and revealing honesty. The Bodleian is honored to present him with the Bodley Medal."