In March 1923, there was a huge advertising campaign in Norway, in which the book 'Bergenstoget Plyndret i Natt' (by Jonatan Jerv) was launched. This lead to the new tradition of spending the Easter holidays reading crime novels, a distinctly Norwegian tradition that is still observed today.
I once read that the Scandinavians produce so much crime literature because of their ''criminally low crime rate''. I largely find this to be true. Jo Nesbø, in particular, manages to dream up all kinds of horrific ways to murder his characters and I think you'd have had to have lived in a cave for the last few years to have not heard of Stig Larsson.
Today I decided to make the most of being in England and raided the local for some new books - something that seems to be really expensive in Norway. I came home with a couple more of Jo Nesbø's books, Nemesis & The Devil's Star. I will be spending my Easter holidays sitting cozily by the fire, drinking hot chocolate and being scared out of my mind. But at least I might feel a little more Norwegian :)
Have you ever read any of his novels? What are you reading at the moment?
inspire nordic
I have never read any of his books. I may have to look into that. I am currently reading a crime novel called Plugged by coincidence. I had no clue this tradition existed.
ReplyDeleteI recommend reading them, they're really compelling and don't take long to get through. They are so amazingly scary though, I'm such a baby when it comes to horror things!
DeleteThe hot chocolate I can relate to :) Hotel Chocolate liquid chocolate is my luxury of choice. Highly recommended.
ReplyDeleteFor crime novels, I like golden age Agatha Christie and particularly Ngaio Marsh. I can only take small doses of Dorothy Sayers as I just don't love Lord Peter as much as she does.
I've never read any of those, I don't really read many crime novels, since I get too frightened! The Jo Nesbø books are particularly scary since they take place in Oslo so the streets and areas that are mentioned are often very close to where I live or places that I regularly go! It makes it so much creepier when you can imagine the scenes perfectly!
DeleteOh thank-you so much for your lovely comment! I've followed you right back! :)
ReplyDeleteI also love deer, they would have to be one of my favourite animals, alongside owls and zebras. :3
That sounds like a lovely way to spend the Easter break. Hot chocolate is my ultimate winter beverage. I quite like crime novels, I'm starting to read A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle, I have not read it before but have heard it is quite good!
xx
Ohh I haven't heard of that one. I'm still not sure if I like this genre, it's a bit scary! It's not like you can hide behind a cushion when it gets gory either :/
DeleteDeer are the best :) One of my friends was talking about riding Zebras last night, I had no idea that was possible! xo
I too had never heard of this tradition, but anything involving couches and books, I'm a fan of :)
ReplyDeleteAnything that involves an open fire and a chocolate related product has my 'two thumbs up' seal of approval!
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love, the Dragon Tattoo series--it just grates on me that Hollywood has to do its usual, "we can do it better", routine. Gah!
Me too!
DeleteDid you watch the Swedish films? They were really good, I haven't seen the American versions but I've heard they were pretty good too :)
I'm reading Game of Thrones at the minute, it's taking ages for me to get through it because I never have time to read! There's something for you on my blog :)
ReplyDeleteYou should read 'The Belgariad' by David Eddings. A brilliant 5 book story with excellent characters. It's one of my fantasy reader corner stones. You won't be disappointed :)
ReplyDeleteKind regards
Mark
PS: hi, Nikki - didn't wish to seem rude and post without saying hello.
Hi hi :)
DeleteI'll keep that in mind, I'm reading the Wheel of Time books at the moment, but I'll have a look for that one too. I have a habit of reading many books at the same time. It's busy inside my brain :)
I agree with Mark K. Anything that involves couches and good books....
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you. I am sending some people your way on Sat., 24 March. Check out my site for details.
Nice too meet you too! I'll come and have a look now :)
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