New Swedish Books, Spring 2018 1
57 Spring 2018 Per Simonsson b. 1975 Stefan Roos
b. 1970 Egon Half Alien Publisher Lilla Pirat www.lillapiratforlaget.se Rights Lilla Pirat linda@lillapiratforlaget.se Stefan Roos & Per Simonsson Selected Works Klappsnapparna och Charlie (together with Lars Rudebjer) Chapter Book 2015 Klappsnapparna och Madame Bofvéns hemlighet (together with Lars Rudebjer) Chapter Book 2015 Klappsnapparna och skoltjuven (together with Lars Rudebjer) Chapter Book 2017 Egon Half Alien ”AAARRRGHH!!!” The diary novel Egon Half Alien begins with a scream of frustration. It happens right in the middle of uncle Tobbe’s persistent attempt to introduce thirteen-year-old Egon to the world of hard rock. Egon hears voices. From aliens, calling to him. In a fast-paced diary full of exclamations, typographical tricks, photos and illustrations Egon recounts his experience of finding out that he’s half alien. His horrible transformation culminates when he develops a bulging tail – and its life of its own at the back of his trousers makes things pretty difficult, especially playing football. Being alien is cleverly used as a metaphor for puberty and as the bearer of the message that what’s important is to accept yourself and others. The language is quick-witted and fun: “That’s when we became hopelessly hooked on THE SAME GIRL!!!” and is fuelled by a teenage sense of over the top dramatics. Photos: Stefan Tell