New Swedish Books, spring 2017 1
Spring 2017 Last year, we put Swedish poetry in t
he spotlight. In both issues of New Swedish Books we presented a great number of interesting new poetry collections. We also made a whole magazine dedicated to poetry, Swedish Poetry, featuring a retrospective overview of poetry from the past as well as an introduction to a few contemporary poets, both established and newer voices. This year we hope that Swedish poetry will continue to interest readers from all over the world, even though we won’t have it as a special focus. At the comics festival in Angoulême this year, it became evident that Swedish comics are on the rise. Many are being translated, into various languages, and some could even be considered international superstars. Shows promise for the future! In here, you’ll find a selection of very interesting new comics. This issue of New Swedish Books cover books that are published during this spring. As usual, it does not cover the whole list of published Swedish books, or the bestselling books or the most popular authors abroad. For each genre we have asked an independent columnist to pick the books that they personally think are the very best of this season. Nothing less. The selection of books for children and young adults has been made by Lisa Bjärbo, author and one of the creators of the children’s book podcast Bladen brinner. Fiction and poetry have been selected by Arne Johnsson, poet, critic and librarian. Comic books and graphic novels have been chosen by Anders Lundgren, freelance writer, festival producer (Stockholm International Comics Festival), and one of the creators of the podcast Hög av serier. At the back you’ll find information about all our international literature grants for translation, projects, events and travel. More information about Swedish Literature Exchange and previous editions of New Swedish Books can be found online at www.swedishliterature.se. Susanne Bergström Larsson, Head of Swedish Literature Exchange, Swedish Arts Council Enjoy!