Sannel Larson
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Tomas Tranströmer - The Poet
At the moment I'm in the midst of reading “Selected Poems” by the Swedish poet and the winner of the Nobel Prize, Tomas Tranströmer. I have wanted to read this poet's work for so long, but never had the chance until now.This is one of those books I know, I'll never be finished reading. Not because it's no good, but because this book is endless reading. Page after page provides a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a fascinating poet. There is so much to discover within the poems of this Swedish writer, and I need to read his works over and over again, to be able to soak up everything he has to offer.Tranströmer takes you through so many emotions just with a few chosen words.There are few writers/poets who have that gift. This book will always hold a special place in my heart, as well as a special place on my nightstand.
The water is shining among the trees.
The lake is a window into the earth.
Tomas Gösta Tranströmer (Known to the world as author, Tomas Tranströmer) is a Swedish leading and most influential contemporary poet, psychologist and translator. Born 15 April 1931, in Stockholm. Tranströmer is very well known in his homeland Sweden, and is acclaimed as one of the most important Scandinavian writers since the Second World War. His books sell thousands of copies in Sweden. Besides being a brilliant writer, he also has a successful career as a respected psychologist behind him. Tranströmer is also known as a skilled literary translator, entomologist, and classical pianist.
Tomas Tranströmer is recently known for being awarded the 2011 Nobel Prize in Literature. He has now become the eight Swedish winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature. However, he is no stranger to awards. He has already collected the Neustadt International Prize for Literature, the Bonnier Award for Poetry, the Golden Wreath of the Struga Poetry Evenings, the Petrarch-Preis in Germany, Swedish Academy’s Nordic Prize, the Oevralids Prize, and the Swedish Award from International Poetry Forum. In 2007, Tomas Tranströmer received a special Lifetime Recognition Award given by the trustees of the Griffin Trust for Excellence in Poetry, which also awards the annual Griffin Poetry Prize.
Early life
Tranströmer was born to Gösta and Helmy Tranströmer. The father was a journalist and the mother a schoolteacher. At the age of three, the parents divorced and left the young boy with a strong void of a father figure in his life. As a student he received his secondary education at the Södra Latin School in Stockholm, where his interest for poetry started.
Tranströmer spent much of his childhood summers on Runmarö Island, a small Island in the Stockholm archipelago. Those summers and that landscape became the birth for his nostalgic and the aesthetic tradition of Swedish nature poems, Östersjöar (1974 ) Baltics (1975) and his memoir Minnena ser mig (1993 ) (The memories see me).
Tomas Tranströmer artistic talents showed early on in his life. As a child he started to play piano and beside the poetry it became another passion of his. Besides selected poems published in journals, his literary debut took place at the early age of 23. In 1954 this talented young man published his first collection of poems. 17 dikter (17 poems.) It has been considered one of the most acclaimed literary debuts of that decade.
The young man continued his education at Stockholm's University, graduating as a psychologist, with additional studies in literature, religion and history. After he graduated, he started to work in 1957, at the Institution for Psychometric at Stockholm University. In 1960, he was employed as a psychologist at the Roxtuna center for juvenile offenders. He worked there for six years while he continued to write poetry.
In 1958, he married Monica Blach, and has raised two daughters. In 1965, Tranströmer moved with his family to Västerås, one of the oldest cities in Sweden, located on the shore of Lake Mälaren where he spent the rest of his working life.
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| Can be purchased at Amazon |
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| Can be purchased at Amazon |
The Half-Finished Heaven
By
Tomas Tranströmer
Despondency breaks off its course.
Anguish breaks off its course.
The vulture breaks off its flight.
The eager light streams out,
even the ghosts take a draught.
And our paintings see daylight,
our red beasts of the ice-age studios.
Everything begins to look around.
We walk in the sun in hundreds.
Each man is a half-open door
leading to a room for everyone.
The endless ground under us.
The water is shining among the trees.
The lake is a window into the earth.
Tomas Tranströmer
Tomas Gösta Tranströmer (Known to the world as author, Tomas Tranströmer) is a Swedish leading and most influential contemporary poet, psychologist and translator. Born 15 April 1931, in Stockholm. Tranströmer is very well known in his homeland Sweden, and is acclaimed as one of the most important Scandinavian writers since the Second World War. His books sell thousands of copies in Sweden. Besides being a brilliant writer, he also has a successful career as a respected psychologist behind him. Tranströmer is also known as a skilled literary translator, entomologist, and classical pianist.
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| Tomas Tranströmer |
Tomas Tranströmer is recently known for being awarded the 2011 Nobel Prize in Literature. He has now become the eight Swedish winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature. However, he is no stranger to awards. He has already collected the Neustadt International Prize for Literature, the Bonnier Award for Poetry, the Golden Wreath of the Struga Poetry Evenings, the Petrarch-Preis in Germany, Swedish Academy’s Nordic Prize, the Oevralids Prize, and the Swedish Award from International Poetry Forum. In 2007, Tomas Tranströmer received a special Lifetime Recognition Award given by the trustees of the Griffin Trust for Excellence in Poetry, which also awards the annual Griffin Poetry Prize.
Early life
Tranströmer was born to Gösta and Helmy Tranströmer. The father was a journalist and the mother a schoolteacher. At the age of three, the parents divorced and left the young boy with a strong void of a father figure in his life. As a student he received his secondary education at the Södra Latin School in Stockholm, where his interest for poetry started.
Tranströmer spent much of his childhood summers on Runmarö Island, a small Island in the Stockholm archipelago. Those summers and that landscape became the birth for his nostalgic and the aesthetic tradition of Swedish nature poems, Östersjöar (1974 ) Baltics (1975) and his memoir Minnena ser mig (1993 ) (The memories see me).
Tomas Tranströmer artistic talents showed early on in his life. As a child he started to play piano and beside the poetry it became another passion of his. Besides selected poems published in journals, his literary debut took place at the early age of 23. In 1954 this talented young man published his first collection of poems. 17 dikter (17 poems.) It has been considered one of the most acclaimed literary debuts of that decade.
The young man continued his education at Stockholm's University, graduating as a psychologist, with additional studies in literature, religion and history. After he graduated, he started to work in 1957, at the Institution for Psychometric at Stockholm University. In 1960, he was employed as a psychologist at the Roxtuna center for juvenile offenders. He worked there for six years while he continued to write poetry.
In 1958, he married Monica Blach, and has raised two daughters. In 1965, Tranströmer moved with his family to Västerås, one of the oldest cities in Sweden, located on the shore of Lake Mälaren where he spent the rest of his working life.
Birds in human shape.
The apple trees in blossom.
The great enigma.
~Tomas Tranströmer~
~Tomas Tranströmer~
Tomas Tranströmer's Poetry
This poet's work is distinguished by a sense of mystery and unseen, underlying the routine of everyday life. He explores the connections between the visible and the invisible, the realms of the conscious and subconscious. A quality which often gives his poems a religious dimension. He has therefore been labeled as a Christian poet. Much of Tranströmer's poetry captures the world from a greater height along with the atmospheric beauty of the long harsh Swedish winters and the Swedish seasons along with its nature.
Tranströmer's most notable works are Klanger och spår (Windows and Stones) and Den stora gåtan (The Great Enigma.)
His poetry has been translated into over 60 languages and critics have held his poetry in high regard for its accessibility in the translations.
His longtime friendship with the American poet and author Robert Bly has made a big impact in the Swedish poet's life. The two poet's works are often read in conjunction. The American poet has also translated and edited some of Tranströmer's work. It was Robert Bly who first introducing his friend's work to the United States in 1960, and their of more 25 years of correspondence has been published in the book 'Air Mail.'
In 1990, a year after the publication of his tenth book of poems, he suffered a debilitating stroke that paralyzed the right side of his body and affected his speech. Despite this, he hasn't let his paralysis stop him. In 1996, he published his collection, Sorgegondolen (Grief Gondola). The poet continues to write, producing over five new works since his stroke, including his memoirs. After his stroke he has remarkably trained himself to play the piano with his left hand. Tranströmer has developed into a proficient pianist and often performs one handed piano concerts in Sweden and throughout Europe.
Tranströmer's most notable works are Klanger och spår (Windows and Stones) and Den stora gåtan (The Great Enigma.)
His poetry has been translated into over 60 languages and critics have held his poetry in high regard for its accessibility in the translations.
His longtime friendship with the American poet and author Robert Bly has made a big impact in the Swedish poet's life. The two poet's works are often read in conjunction. The American poet has also translated and edited some of Tranströmer's work. It was Robert Bly who first introducing his friend's work to the United States in 1960, and their of more 25 years of correspondence has been published in the book 'Air Mail.'
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| Can be purchased at Amazon |
In 1990, a year after the publication of his tenth book of poems, he suffered a debilitating stroke that paralyzed the right side of his body and affected his speech. Despite this, he hasn't let his paralysis stop him. In 1996, he published his collection, Sorgegondolen (Grief Gondola). The poet continues to write, producing over five new works since his stroke, including his memoirs. After his stroke he has remarkably trained himself to play the piano with his left hand. Tranströmer has developed into a proficient pianist and often performs one handed piano concerts in Sweden and throughout Europe.
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| Kindle Edition- The Great Enigma Can be Purchased at Amazon |
An excerpt from "Face to Face
In February living stood still.
The birds flew unwillingly and the soul
chafed against the landscape as a boat
chafes against the pier it lies moored to.
~Tomas Tranströmer~
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Reader's Favorite Gave a Five-Star Review for Melvin!
Melvin. . . Bad, bad kitten!
by
Sannel Larson
Received a Five-Star Review
by
Reader's Favorite
Children-Animals
34 Pages
Reviewed on 09/17/2013
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Book Review:
Melvin. . . Bad, bad kitten! by Sannel Larson is an absolutely delightful book about the antics of Melvin the cat. The book is adorable and will remind you of the antics of the pets you have at home. You will start looking them in a different light after reading this amusing book. All pets have an identity of their own and Melvin has his. The author has written it in a very silly manner with some rhyming verses that will appeal to small children. Melvin is a naughty kitten that makes children laugh with his behavior.
It's a beautiful book of verses which the author has penned, keeping in mind the youthful audience. Children love to read anything silly and light and the author has written just that with Melvin, the cat, as the main character of the book. The illustrations are really cute. I found the illustration with the strawberry nose hilarious. The illustrator has also created something that is so appealing to a child.
The author's love for children is evident in the book. It is one of the cutest cat stories/verses I have read in recent times. It is so difficult to say what I liked most about the book. Everything is so appealing and cuddly. Kids are also introduced to rhyming verses in a very subtle way, getting them into reading verses and trying to write or recite small rhyming poems. Absolutely delightful and a treat for young readers.
It's a beautiful book of verses which the author has penned, keeping in mind the youthful audience. Children love to read anything silly and light and the author has written just that with Melvin, the cat, as the main character of the book. The illustrations are really cute. I found the illustration with the strawberry nose hilarious. The illustrator has also created something that is so appealing to a child.
The author's love for children is evident in the book. It is one of the cutest cat stories/verses I have read in recent times. It is so difficult to say what I liked most about the book. Everything is so appealing and cuddly. Kids are also introduced to rhyming verses in a very subtle way, getting them into reading verses and trying to write or recite small rhyming poems. Absolutely delightful and a treat for young readers.
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Mediterranean Cooking - Means Healthy Eating
Greece will always be my "second home" in my heart. Greece was the place I enjoyed cooking more than usual. I guess the lovely surroundings and the gorgeous weather has something to do with it, but the main reason probably is the abundance of fresh local vegetables. The Greeks feel the need to share what nature has provided, and it's so charming to have my next door neighbors bringing me vegetables and fruit from their gardens, like tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, watermelons or whatever that's in season.
As a vegetarian, I find the Greek cuisine to be extremely satisfying, since fresh vegetables, olive oil and herbs are the basics in most of the dishes. However, meat can be added to many of the dishes, or they all can be excellent side dishes to those who prefers a piece of meat, chicken or fish to go with their meal.
Eggplants (aubergines) are popular in Greek cooking and very versatile. I believe, I could write a Greek cookbook alone, about this immensely useful and tasteful vegetable.
I'll share with you one of my favorite Greek eggplant dishes. This dish has all the classic Greek tastes; eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, olive oil and oregano. During the extremely hot season, I usually cooked the meal in the morning, to be eaten cold for lunch or dinner. It's more tasteful that way. However, it can be enjoyed as a hot meal as well.
Greek Stew of Eggplant and Potatoes ( Melitzanes sti Katsarola)
Eggplants (aubergines) are popular in Greek cooking and very versatile. I believe, I could write a Greek cookbook alone, about this immensely useful and tasteful vegetable.
I'll share with you one of my favorite Greek eggplant dishes. This dish has all the classic Greek tastes; eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, olive oil and oregano. During the extremely hot season, I usually cooked the meal in the morning, to be eaten cold for lunch or dinner. It's more tasteful that way. However, it can be enjoyed as a hot meal as well.
Greek Stew of Eggplant and Potatoes ( Melitzanes sti Katsarola)
Prep Time: 25 minutes
6 tbsp of olive oil
1 1/4 cups of water
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
1 teaspoon of oregano
Crumbled Feta cheese. Can be replaced with Graviera.
Directions:
Heat 6 tbsp of oil in a deep stew pot.
Saute the onions until tender.
Add the, garlic, bell peppers, carrots, eggplants, parsley, potatoes, pulped tomatoes, olive oil, salt , pepper and oregano
Mix until well combined.
Saute for 1-2 minutes.
Add the water.
Bring to a boil.
Lower the heat. Cover.
Let it cook over medium heat for 30-35 minutes or until the potatoes are done and most of the juices are absorbed.
Take the pot off from the heat.
Sprinkle the feta cheese or Graviera cheese on top, and let it melt.
Serve it hot or cold with olives and a slice of feta cheese.
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: serves 4
Ingredients:
Yield: serves 4
Ingredients:
1 pound of eggplants, peel half the skin away from the eggplants in long strips, so that they look stripy. Cut in egg-sized chunks
2 pounds of potatoes, peeled, cut in large chunks
2 medium red onions, (finely diced)
2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
1 green bell pepper (diced)
2 Carrots (diced)
1 bunch of fresh parsley, (chopped)
2 cups of pulped stewed tomatoes (or 1 can tinned tomatoes, pureed)
2 medium red onions, (finely diced)
2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
1 green bell pepper (diced)
2 Carrots (diced)
1 bunch of fresh parsley, (chopped)
2 cups of pulped stewed tomatoes (or 1 can tinned tomatoes, pureed)
6 tbsp of olive oil
1 1/4 cups of water
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
1 teaspoon of oregano
Crumbled Feta cheese. Can be replaced with Graviera.
Directions:
Heat 6 tbsp of oil in a deep stew pot.
Saute the onions until tender.
Add the, garlic, bell peppers, carrots, eggplants, parsley, potatoes, pulped tomatoes, olive oil, salt , pepper and oregano
Mix until well combined.
Saute for 1-2 minutes.
Add the water.
Bring to a boil.
Lower the heat. Cover.
Let it cook over medium heat for 30-35 minutes or until the potatoes are done and most of the juices are absorbed.
Take the pot off from the heat.
Sprinkle the feta cheese or Graviera cheese on top, and let it melt.
Serve it hot or cold with olives and a slice of feta cheese.
Bon Appetite! Or as we say in Greece; Kali Orixi!
Sannel
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Hippocrates taught us,
“Nutrition should be your medicine.”
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Monday, August 12, 2013
Vincent Moore - The Canadian Poet
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| Three Books of Poetry Vincent Moore's three books of poetry are finally available in print. His latest “In Passionata” is one of them. |
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| The Canadian Poet |
Vincent Moore is a Canadian poet born and raised in Montreal, Quebec. He grew up in a predominantly Irish area known as Point St. Charles. Life in The Point during the 1950s, and 1960s, is the inspiration for much of his work and the result is a poignant and poetic marriage of tenderness and pain. He now resides on the Canadian Prairies.
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| Vincent Moore |
On his website this talented and intriguing poet will share his poetic journey with each and every one of us. His unique poetry is deeply soul stirring and will not leave his reader untouched.
A while back ago, I purchased the Kindle version of the book “In Melancholia” It's a Poetic compilation of memories, thoughts and emotions of this poet's darker side of his childhood. Through his pen he writes about poverty, violence, booze and pain, so strong and gripping, that many times, I can't hold back my tears. “
A while back ago, I purchased the Kindle version of the book “In Melancholia” It's a Poetic compilation of memories, thoughts and emotions of this poet's darker side of his childhood. Through his pen he writes about poverty, violence, booze and pain, so strong and gripping, that many times, I can't hold back my tears. “
Life can be cruel yet only we can help ourselves to crawl from the darkness of despair” is an excerpt from “In Melancholia.” Vincent Moore is a survivor and a true example of finding his way out of the darkness by following his poetic path, and to become one of today's greatest poets.
Vincent Moore makes us understand, the heart of his healing is through his burning pen, and through his writing he inspires and brings hope to so many of his readers.
Not only do I admire his strength, compassion and wisdom but also for the very fine and brilliant writer that he is. To catch the essence of this amazing man you have to read his work, and I promise you, you'll fall in love with this poet and his gifted quill as much as I have.
I have just purchased his third and latest poetry book " In Passionata," but in a printed form this time. I can hardly wait to hold it in my hands. I'm so happy that this poet finally decided to let his fans/followers have the ability to purchase his poetry in a printed form. It's a stunning collection of poetry to own.
Sannel.
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| "In Melancholia" can be purchased at Vincent Moore's Website |
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| In Absinthia can be purchased at Vincent Moore's Website |
Friday, August 9, 2013
Crete - An Island of Wondrous and Unspoiled Beauty
The Greek island of Crete, is a place with unbelievable natural beauty and old charm. A place that I consider unique. Crete is a place blessed by a people friendly climate of long hot summers and short mild winters. This island combines the clean, turquoise sea with rough mountains, lush vineyards, olive groves and citrus orchards.
There is a small and picturesque mountain village named Plaka, which I have fond memories of. This charming village with the traditional stone-built houses and spectacular view, is just so lovely. At the break of dawn the neighbor's rooster wakes every one up, followed by the distant bleat of the goats and dogs barking. As the cool morning turned warmer the cicada sounds grew louder and louder.
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| Almyrida Beach |
There is a small and picturesque mountain village named Plaka, which I have fond memories of. This charming village with the traditional stone-built houses and spectacular view, is just so lovely. At the break of dawn the neighbor's rooster wakes every one up, followed by the distant bleat of the goats and dogs barking. As the cool morning turned warmer the cicada sounds grew louder and louder.
The uneven and narrow roads are winding in-between the stone-built homes there cats and a salamander or two may cross your path. The life here is very simple with no stress. Here people say hello with a smile, and may even invite you to sit down for a leisurely talk over a glass of Raki, (a strong distilled spirit containing approximately 37 per cent alcohol per volume and is produced from the must-residue of the wine-press.)
The Cretan locals are famous for its hospitality and generosity, so do not be surprised if they welcome you to join them for food and wine, or bring you vegetables and fruits from their garden.
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| The neighbors grapes |
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| Prickly Pears |
I sure miss this wondrous and unspoiled beauty, yes even the obnoxious rooster that woke me up way too early every morning.
Crete - Thank you for the lovely memories - I'll be back. . . . Someday.
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| The sunset from my window |
Crete - Thank you for the lovely memories - I'll be back. . . . Someday.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Emerald Wells Cafe - A Home Away From Home
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| Emerald Wells Cafe - A Home Away From Home. The cafe is a wonderful place to hang out and meet our friends. We can always be ascertained of a warm welcome and excellent coffee served by Em. |
Michael Friedman's, Emerald Wells Cafe, spoke to me from the very first page. I immediately connected with the likable characters like Emmy, Earl, Harold, Carl, Rose and Dale the Sheriff who lives in the wonderful small town, Emerald Wells, just off the crossroads and Highway 27, Texas.
The author lets us into the lives of the folks in Emerald Wells, in an era, simpler and kinder, when people actually had time to care and talk to their neighbors. Emerald Wells Cafe is a home away from home to the folks who lives in the town, and each chapter will bring you humor, drama, dilemmas, adventure, romance, a dash of poetry and yes, nostalgia. It did not take many pages before I felt close to the characters, and truly fell in love with the little town and its inhabitants.
The book is extraordinarily good and I'm amazed how fast I read this book. But the author's writing is so captivating and engaging that I did not want to stop turning the pages. I kept saying to myself, just one more page. . .
Emerald Wells Cafe is an absolutely delightful book and I am so glad I read it. Michael Friedman is an amazing writer, and this well-written and highly recommendable story left me smiling. I truly loved it! If you haven't read Emerald Wells Cafe I suggest you give it a try. It's more than worth it!
Sannel
Book Description:
Join Em and Earl as they host Carl, Gabby, Dale and Harold at the Emerald Wells Café. The year is 1955; the place Emerald Wells, Texas; just off the crossroads. A place where everybody passes through, their hurried lives paused for a moment for a quick cup of coffee and a generous slice of fresh apple pie. Join the staff for Movie Night shown on the side of the building or pull up a stool and listen in at Speakeasy Night.
Tucked into a grove of pines on a cottage lined lake these folks gather for laughter, love and genuine friendship.
Product Detail:
Book Description:
Join Em and Earl as they host Carl, Gabby, Dale and Harold at the Emerald Wells Café. The year is 1955; the place Emerald Wells, Texas; just off the crossroads. A place where everybody passes through, their hurried lives paused for a moment for a quick cup of coffee and a generous slice of fresh apple pie. Join the staff for Movie Night shown on the side of the building or pull up a stool and listen in at Speakeasy Night.
Tucked into a grove of pines on a cottage lined lake these folks gather for laughter, love and genuine friendship.
Emerald Wells Cafe (Kindle Edition)
Author: Michael Friedman
Foreword: Brenda J. Barnes
Introduction: Maria Jordan
Price: $14.99
File Size: 844 KB
Print Length: 710 pages
Publisher: Mockingbird-Books; First eBook edition edition (June 22, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00DKDD4WU
Print Length: 710 pages
Publisher: Mockingbird-Books; First eBook edition edition (June 22, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00DKDD4WU
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| Author and Illustrator, Michael Friedman |
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| Emerald Wells Cafe |
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| The Poetry of Emerald Wells Cafe |
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| Braids- Angel's Field |
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| I Should Have Died For My Country |
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| The Branson Resolution |
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| A Trilogy of Dark Flash Fiction Includes Ohio Tom |
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| Kylie's Blossoms |
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| Murder Once Done |
Monday, July 8, 2013
A Big Talent in a Small Artwork
The other day I went to an art exhibition in the small seaside town of Stenungsund, Sweden, there many artists had a chance to display their creativity. I enjoyed strolling through the exhibition, admiring the craftsmanship of so many fine artists. However, I admit, it was the young artist, Ronja Risberg and her artistry who caught my attention. Ronja Risberg has big talent with little things like this miniature artwork. Her dexterity and inventiveness in her fine details, using ink and watercolor, brought much joy to the eye and the mind. I truly hope to see more of this aspiring young artist and her work in the near future.
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| Ronja Risberg with her Sparv (Sparrow) in the background |
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| Sparv (Sparrow) |
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Astrid Lindgren the Swedish Author of Children's Books
A week ago, I wrote about Elsa Beskow, a Swedish children's book author and illustrator. Once again, I'll write about another great author of children's books. Perhaps one of the most famous children's book authors in the world. I'm talking about the Swedish author, Astrid Lindgren.
The books we read as children do leave a strong impression that will last a lifetime. I loved to read as a child and my reading habit began very early. At first I was only able to look at the wonderful illustrations in the books. However, when I was able to read on my own, a whole new treasure trove, rich in imagination opened up to me. I remember escaping in between the covers of the book and become one of the characters. I let the imaginative world take over my mind until the last chapter was read.
The books we read as children do leave a strong impression that will last a lifetime. I loved to read as a child and my reading habit began very early. At first I was only able to look at the wonderful illustrations in the books. However, when I was able to read on my own, a whole new treasure trove, rich in imagination opened up to me. I remember escaping in between the covers of the book and become one of the characters. I let the imaginative world take over my mind until the last chapter was read.
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| The very funny "Karlson On the Roof" |
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| Astrid Lindgren |
Astrid lindgren's Early life
Astrid Anna Emilia Ericsson, known to the world as author Astrid Lindgren was born November 14th 1907, and grew up in her family's farm in the small town of Vimmerby in the south of Sweden.
Astrid Lindgren's own happy childhood playing in the farm, horseback riding through green forests in summer and swimming in the lakes under the midnight-sun, skated on frozen ponds and lakes in winter and went cray fishing in the fall, would present her later with the inspiration for all her wonderful stories.
At the age of 16, she began training as a journalist. Two years later she moved to Stockholm after she became pregnant while unmarried. There she worked as a secretary. Her son Lars was born on December 4 1926. Eventually, at the age of 24 she married the father, Sture Lindgren and in 1934, they had a daughter, Karin.
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| This red-haired girl has done wonders for equality between the sexes, encouraged young girls to believe in themselves and have fun. |
Pippi Longstocking
In 1944, she published her first book. It was a story for teen-age girls called "Britt-Mari Opens Her Heart". However, it was the year after when she published through a small editing house, the story of the popular character Pippi Longstocking that she achieved great success and apparently saved the editors from bankruptcy. Her editors Rabén & Sjögren are today the leading publishing house for children in Sweden.
This red-haired and freckled girl became an instant hit among children, but parents was concerned and shocked at first by the disobedient and headstrong Pippi, who revolted against society and gladly mocked charity ladies and institutions like the police. This determined, red-haired girl called Pippi Långstrump “Pippi Longstocking” has done wonders for equality between the sexes, encouraged young girls to believe in themselves and have fun. Pippi Longstocking has been translated into more than 70 languages and published in more than 100 countries.
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| Astrid Lindgren is and always will be a part of our Swedish culture |
- Astrid Lindgren produced about 80 books altogether and has sold more than 145 million copies worldwide and is the world's 18th most translated author. Many of her stories have been made into films and television and taken into theater, like Karlsson-on-the-Roof.
- She was awarded many Swedish and international prizes for her books, among them the Hans Christian Andersen medal in 1958, which is considered the ultimate accolade for an author of children's books. After her death in 2002, the Government of Sweden established the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA) in her honor. The ALMA is the world's most valuable children and youth literature award.
- Astrid Lindgren fought for children's rights and animal welfare. In 1998, she induced an animal rights bill into law. The same year the Astrid Lindgren's Children's Hospital opened and is one of the biggest children hospitals in northern Europe.
- In 1952, her husband Sture Lindgren died at the age of 53, of internal hemorrhage. Astrid Lindgren never remarried. Her son Lars “ Lasse” Lindgren died in 1986. The son once said about his mother; She wasn't the kind of mother who would sit quiet on a park-bench, watching her children play. She wanted to play herself and I suspect she found it as much fun as I did.
- In 1987, she wrote her last piece, a short mystery story.
- A theme park, displaying several of the settings from her books, opened in 1989 in her hometown, and attracts over 300,000 visitors yearly.
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| Emil |
Personal Quotes of Astrid Lindgren
- I don't 'mean' anything by my writing. I just write for the child in myself.
- You have to live your life in order to make friends with death.
- You know that the Germans are insane. For example they have named about 70 schools after me.
- On the question if she would like to be a member of the Swedish Academy? "The Swedish Academy? What use would they have of an old woman that is half blind, half deaf and totally crazy?"
- Have I managed to brighten up one single miserable childhood then I'm satisfied.
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| The very popular, "The Brothers Lionheart" |
Astrid Lindgren's best known children's books:
In chronological order
Astrid Lindgren spent her last years in her modest apartment on Dalagatan in Stockholm where she had lived since 1941. She died peacefully in her home after a short illness on January 28, 2002 at the age of 94.
Astrid Lindgren is and always will be a part of our Swedish culture. She is loved and cherished by so many, not only in her homeland but all over the world. She truly have succeeded to brighten up many children's life throughout many decades with her wonderful writing – I know, because I was one of them.
- The Pippi Longstocking series (Pippi Långstrump) (1945-1971)
- The Children of Noisy Village series, also know as ( The Bullerby Children) (Bullerbyn) (1946-1966)
- The Bill Bergson series (Mästerdetektiven Blomkvist) (1946-1953)
- Mio, my Mio (also known as Mio, my Son) (Mio, min Mio) (1954)
- The Karlson-on-the-Roof series (Karlsson på Taket) (1955-1972)
- The Mardie series, also known as ( Mischievous Meg) (Madicken) (1960-1993)
- Emil series (Emil i Lönneberga) (1963-1997)
- Sea Crow Island (Vi på Saltkråkan) (1964)
- The Brothers Lionheart (Bröderna Lejonhjärta) (1973)
- Ronia the Robber’s Daughter (Ronja Rövardotter) (1981)
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| Astrid Lindgren and Pippi (Inger Nilsson) on the set |
Astrid Lindgren spent her last years in her modest apartment on Dalagatan in Stockholm where she had lived since 1941. She died peacefully in her home after a short illness on January 28, 2002 at the age of 94.
Astrid Lindgren is and always will be a part of our Swedish culture. She is loved and cherished by so many, not only in her homeland but all over the world. She truly have succeeded to brighten up many children's life throughout many decades with her wonderful writing – I know, because I was one of them.
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