A writing life in pictures: Nobel laureate Jean-Marie Le Clézio

A 23-year-old Le Clézio with his wife Marina, left, gives an interview in 1963, soon after publishing his first novel, Le Procès-Verbal (The Deposition). The novel won much attention for the young author, and that year's Prix Renaudot Photograph: AP

Despite growing international fame, Le Clézio chose to stay away from the spotlight, with spells teaching at universities in Thailand and Mexico as well as writing in his father's home in Mauritius Photograph: Reuters

Le Clezio pictured with his book Poisson d'or after winning the Jean Giono Prize in 1997 Photograph: Eric Feferberg/AFP

Le Clézio is seen here in Vanuatu in September 2005, where he was accompanying Patrice Franceschi, captain of three-masted schooner La Boudeuse, on a sailing expedition focusing on the re-discovery of the 'people of the water' Photograph: Marc Le Chelard/AFP

In a rare excursion into the public eye, Le Clézio is pictured with Pierre Cardin at the opening of his play Pawana, which takes its title from a Native American word for whale Photograph: AFP

Le Clézio in Paris earlier this year Photograph: Jessica Gow/AP

Le Clézio meets the press after the announcement of his prize. Asked if he thought he deserved it, he said 'Why not?' Photograph: Michel Euler/AP