Ten Swedish books to read before you die
Published: 8 Feb 13 14:20 CET | Print version
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/46080/20130208/
Nordic Noir has grabbed the attention of readers across the world, but in an effort to take readers beyond the page-turning thrillers, The Local has compiled a selection of Swedish literature classics available in English.
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That's what journalist Gerty Fylking used to yell at the Swedish Academy press conference revealing that year's winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature.
Because usually, no one had ever heard of the winner.
That changed two years ago when Sweden's favourite poet, Tomas Tranströmer, was recognized for his work.
IN PICTURES: Ten Swedish books to read before you die
Tranströmer's just one of the authors featured on The Local's list of Swedish classics that could be a helping hand for newcomers interested in diving into Swedish culture.
But he's not the only Nobel laureate who made the cut.
The list also features another poet, Edith Södergran, who may be a native of Finland, but is included as because she was a member of of the Finland-Swedish minority in Finland and thus wrote in Swedish.
The list also features the work of a popular, outspoken Swedish historian who often appears on television and in newspapers to offer his two cents (er, öre) about the Swedish royals.
While this celebrity historian's book is far from a work of classic literature, The Local's Editor David Landes recommends it as a good introduction to the history of Sweden.
One book on the list, Harry Martinsson's When Nettles Bloom, is not available in English, but there is a simplified Swedish edition.
And there is a cheeky double whammy for one author.
Ann Törnkvist
Follow Ann on Twitter here
External link: In Pictures: Ten Swedish books to read before you die »
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Just looking at the list made me want to die.
Nah, on second thought, I'd rather clean the bathroom than read any of the authors on the list.
There are only two Swedish authors worth reading: Strindberg and Stieg Larsson.
Cultural barbarians, every single one of you. Probably all work in IT or banking.
Cogito, if you think Larsson is a great author then I am absolutely certain that you have never read Proust or Balzac.