New Swedish Books, autumn 2019 1
New Swedish Books 14 Kin Few Swedish writers have
as keen insight into social games and power relationships – in both family and society – as Torbjörn Flygt. He grew up in the Borgmästargården district of Malmö, built in the 1960s and mainly populated by working class and lower middle class families. Once a strong socialist stronghold, today almost a quarter of electorates in the Borgmästargården vote for the ultra-conservative and xenophobic Sweden Democrats. Flygt’s upbringing shapes almost all of his works, providing naked, painful portrayals of the social insecurity and spiritual homelessness of the upwardly mobile. His latest novel, Kin, focuses on relationships in the dark underbelly of Sweden. The author depicts a Sweden that is drunken, run-down and full of petty crime, but he does so with warmth and compassion. Protagonist Jes is travelling to the country to celebrate his stepfather Gösta’s birthday, though in truth he would rather not go. The celebration is to take place in his half-brother Jakob’s house, but only Jakob’s partner Linda is there. Jakob is in prison and the family atmosphere is tense. Jes is socially awkward, but has a strong commitment to family and feels an obligation to attend the celebration. It is a difficult weekend for Jes, but it also helps him understand who he is. Torbjörn Flygt (b. 1964) Kin, novel, 195 p. Publisher Natur & Kultur www.nok.se Rights Natur & Kultur Stephen Farran-Lee stephen.farran-lee@nok.se Selected works Män vid kusten, novel, 1997 Underdog, novel, 2001 Outsider, novel, 2011 Selected literary prizes: Augustpriset 2001 Gleerups skönlitterära pris 2002 Photo: Åsa Sköström