New Swedish Books, autumn 2019 1
New Swedish Books 10 Best new writing During spri
ng 2019 three debut writers were awarded prizes for their literary works. Here are our prize-winners! Borås Tidnings Debutantpris 2019 Katapultpriset 2019 Wera von Essen (b. 1986) The Diary of a Debutant, novel, 281 p. The motivation of the jury: For a cool and stylish story that uses the diary format to explore the conditions and limits of creativity. Also recommended in New Swedish Books 1/2019 Publisher Modernista Förlag www.modernista.se Rights Modernista Förlag www.modernista.se Burcu Sahin (b. 1993) Embroideries, poetry, 77 p. The motivation of the jury: In a language that is both multifaceted and precise Burcu Sahin evokes the complexity of being somebody’s mother whilst simultaneously being somebody’s daughter. The poems become a tapestry of interlaced hands that provide, yearn, braid and remember. Also recommended in New Swedish Books 2/2018. Publisher Norstedts www.norstedts.se Rights Norstedts Agency www.norstedtsagency.se Slangbellan 2019 Helena Hedlund (b. 1978) The Best Thing about Kerstin, children’s fiction, 140 p. The motivation of the jury: With a language that’s playful and a perspective that’s distinctly the child’s Helena Hedlund describes everyday yet still significant problems. It is so easy to get wrapped up in lies. A debut novel that glimmers like gold both in its details and as a whole. Publisher Natur & Kultur www.nok.se Rights Koja Agency www.kojaagency.com Photo: Kicki Nilsson Photo: Carla Orrego Veliz Photo: Matti Koli