Book Lena Törnqvist: Taking Common Words (Swedish)

“Every time I read about Astrid Lindgren’s books, I discover something new; an expression, a thought, a symbol, a quote previously overlooked. Each reread broadens the text and reveals something more about the author and her work and about the connection between the two. Hopefully this book will attract others to make similar discoveries. Make the reader face the words with fresh eyes and see things that were previously missed or that they have become blind to.” (Lena Törnqvist). The quote in the title comes from philosopher Schopenhauer and Astrid Lindgren used it sometimes to describe her work. Not everyone agrees that her words were common – she also uses words that you would be hard pressed to find in dictionaries. But there is no question that what she said was unusual and has affected – and continues to affect – people of all ages both in Sweden and throughout the world. There is no end when it comes to reading Astrid Lindgren’s stories;her words open up new points of view and provide new insights with every reread. Lena Törnqvist has spent the last thirty years reading, and reading about the books. She presents some of what she found here, supplemented with quotes from Astrid Lindgren’s own letters and the archives she has left behind. It encompasses language, politics, gender roles, love of Stockholm, tyrants, “gentlemen socialists”, “maternal Amazons” and much more. “Lena’s book on Astrid manages to be both informative and entertaining at the same time, and I think everyone who reads it will find new perspectives on a versatile writer.” (Karin Nyman, daughter of Astrid Lindgren). (in Swedish)