Category Archives: Scandinavian Literature

The Ferryman and His Wife – Frode Grytten, translated from the Norwegian by Alison McCullough

Posted on January 12, 2026 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung) Ferryman Nils Vik has spent decades carrying people across the fjord. Widowed for many years and the father of two grown daughters, he wants this crossing to be his last day on earth or sea. (more…)Read More →

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Selamlik – Khaled Alesmael (translated from the Arabic by Leri Price)

Posted on December 5, 2024 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung) “I am so glad I was born in Syria and get to be young in Damascus, no matter the fear and danger. I love Damascus even if she is cruel to me.” Our narrator Furat lives … Continue reading →

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Many People Die Like You – Lina Wolff, translated by Saskia Vogel

Posted on December 11, 2023 by J D Jung

(reviewed by JD Jung) #CommissionsEarned Those who enjoy eclectic short stories that explore human nature are sure to relish the stories in Many People Die Like You. From bizarre relationships to unexpected power dynamics, this collection of fourteen stories takes … Continue reading →

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Ti Amo – Hanne Ørstavik (translated from the Norwegian by Martin Aitken)

Posted on September 13, 2022 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung) #CommissionsEarned “I look at you and tears run down my face, yet I feel nothing, no grief, no sadness, I can’t feel at all. Is it true, is it actually true, is my love really intense … Continue reading →

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The Final Days of Abbot Montrose: An Asbjørn Krag Mystery – Sven Elvestad and Stein Riverton

Posted on August 23, 2021 by J D Jung

(reviewed by Ann Onymous ) Retired Detective Asbjørn Krag and his police colleague Keller are trying to solve the mystery of the disappearance of Abbot Montrose. But with no photographs, no one really knows what the Abbot looks like. He … Continue reading →

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The Man in the Cellar – Palle Rosenkrantz

Posted on February 1, 2020 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by Heidi A. Swan) I was captivated by the voice of the author from the very beginning. It is a translation of the best-selling novel by the Danish novelist, Palle Rosenkrantz, and was written over one hundred years ago. … Continue reading →

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The Little Old Lady Who Broke All the Rules- Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg

Posted on October 6, 2016 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by Pat Luboff) If I needed to sum up this book in one word, it would be “delightful!” The setting is a retirement home in Sweden. The main characters are five elderly residents in their 70s and 80s. They … Continue reading →

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The Treacherous Net – Helene Tursten (translated from the Swedish by Marlaine Delargy)

Posted on December 15, 2015 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by Melanie Hamilton) You would think that Detective Inspector Irene Huss had enough to contend with between a gang war and a mummified body in the chimney. In The Treacherous Net, Helene Turston makes Irene’s work life really difficult. … Continue reading →

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The Stonecutter – Camilla Läckberg (Translated by Steven T. Murray)

Posted on December 9, 2012 by J D Jung

(reviewed by Renée Kay) I came across The Stonecutter by Camilla Läckberg while at the library picking up another book I had reserved. What caught my attention was that is was yet another Swedish mystery, which I can’t seem to get … Continue reading →

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