Ernaux, 82, has written a number of celebrated novels, many of which are autobiographical. Her first book, "Les armoires vides," was published in French in 1974, and in English as "Cleaned Out" in 1990. Her fourth work, "La place" (1983) or "A Man's Place" (1992), elevated her to prominence.

She was given the prestigious award "for the courage and clinical acuity with which she uncovers the roots, estrangements and collective restraints of personal memory."

Ernaux's work is closely inspired by her own life, and contemplates family, class, politics and gender.

"Her work is uncompromising and written in plain language, scraped clean," Anders Olsson of the Swedish Academy said on Thursday as he announced her accolade.

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