Reviews

In this first instalment in the Idijärvi Trilogy, Charlotte Cederlund blends Sami mythology with YA fantasy to create a Nordic coming-of-age novel set under the glow of the Northern Lights.

This is futuristic fiction, dealing with a world where nuclear war and its aftermath is the reality but where the potential attacks of tomorrow are even more deadly and frightening – enough to wipe out the entire human race.

Elis Burrau’s first full-length poetry collection is a fragmented but alluring investigation into finding a poetic identity. It’s an opportunity to sample the very latest of young Swedish poetry.

Negra Efendić's book is a personal story of a child's journey from security to a life in a far away land.

In this vividly narrated novel from August-Prize-winning writer Johanna Thydell a teenage girl meets her estranged mother for a bird-watching assignment.

Korta Stycken, a slim volume of short stories, flash fiction and poetry, is a masterclass in style by Johan Bargum, one of Finland’s most renowned contemporary writers.

The exploration of her own past was a driving force behind Elisabeth Åsbrink's selection of people and events from 1947 and gives this book its special atmosphere.

In her trilogy about the teenage Turid, Elisabeth Östnäs gives us a tale of a curious, kind and fiercely intelligent young woman who finds herself questioning elements of the society where her father is king.

There are many intertextual references, usually to European philosophers, and black-and-white illustrations of paintings, landscapes, and photographs, in the spirit of the German novelist W.G. Sebald.

Profoundly humane, inviting the young reader to sympathise with the underdog.

Such benign vagueness is probably the best policy for someone who lives under threat, not only from former potentially murderous co-religionists but also assorted security agencies (the Swedish included).

These short stories may simply be too frightening – or perhaps unnerving – for some readers.

Khemiri is known for his ironically self- referential approach to writing.

Not only is the main character a girl, but the novel looks at other aspects of Viking life, particularly religion, literacy and social distinctions.

Young children’s books often feature dragons and princesses, and this one is no exception.

There is delightful period detail in food, dress and pop songs on tangle- prone cassette tapes, but older history is ever present in this sea-facing kingdom that is trying to turn its back on time.

Over a century later, only the nationalities have changed.

There’s a lot of Pollyanna in Billie, but also a bit of Pippi Longstocking.