Reviews

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

An independent prequel to the well-received Maresi, Maria Turtschaninoff's Naondel tells the story of the First Sisters – founders of the Red Abbey.

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.

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.

Lena Frölander-Ulf's enchanting winter read is a thought-provoking exploration of confronting fears and preconceptions through encounters with whimsical forest folk and a homely troll.

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

Author Ulf Stark’s and illustrator Linda Bondestam’s illustrated book presents 27 species which no one but their creators has ever seen – in splendid colors and with ingenious rhymes.

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.

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.

Maja Hagerman’s impressive research and skilful narrative reveal unexpected events in the life of controversial doctor Herman Lundborg and confirm many misgivings about his work and views.

Sara Lövestam's third novel about Kouplan, a transgender Iranian refugee turned private detective, is a subtle, humorous and immensely enjoyable read.

Hannele Mikaela Taivassalo's works span drama and prose, but always with a poetic touch, and In Transit is no exception.

In a novel that alternates between Finland and Cameroon, Sara Razai explores race, class, religion and belonging.

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.

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

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

If this is all starting to sound like a combination of the Harry Potter and Hunger Games series, mixed with Nordic mythology, and with a large hint of Nordic noir added, then that’s a pretty accurate description.

Over a century later, only the nationalities have changed.