Norway
198
Nyhus, Svein
Verden har ingen hjørner (The world has no corners)
[Oslo] : Gyldendal Tiden, 1999. – [ca. 100pp]
ISBN 82-478-0520-0
Child - Philosophy - Ontological awareness
A child sitting in a cardboard box takes a look at its world and starts pondering: on its
own existence, on growing up, on its surroundings, parents, grandparents, death, emotions.
This book could be a picture-book version of Gaarder's »Sophie's world«. The
illustrations are characterised by subdued colours, economy of the forms and backgrounds
with bleeding surfaces. The pensive boy remains unpersonal, almost like a puppet –
everything is reduced to its essence, to its core. Hence, even the illustrations are
philosophically motivated. Nevertheless, one is curious to know what kind of thoughts they
will inspire. (8+)
Special Mention
199
Renberg, Tore (text)
Hiorthøy, Kim (illus.)
Hando Kjendo søndag (Hando and Kjendo on Sunday)
[Oslo] : Gyldendal Tiden, 1999. – [42pp]
ISBN 82-478-0406-9
Friendship - Walk
This book is an insult – because of its painterly style, its obstinate choice of
colours, the raw forms, one usually attempts to avoid in museums, and its »plot«: a
peaceful, eventless void of a sunday afternoon. An insult, however, only to adults.
Children may have experienced this void, they recognise the atmosphere and turn the pages
with great curiosity. After all – something does happen: a biblically burning bush
(which means that it does not burn down) brings forth two flowers, a real event for the
two befriended protagonists – abstract forms, one long, one short. But the really
unusual event of this book are the pictures, inspired by the unspoiled, nearly raw art of
the KOBRA-group. Rather than an insult, then, this book is an indirect contribution to the
aesthetic education of children. (8+)
200
Vatle, Sylvelin
Ville liljer (Wild lilies)
[Oslo] : Cappelen, 2000. – 215pp
ISBN 82-02-18869-5
Bulemia - Love
What should not happen in reality, is what makes a novel really interesting. Young bulemic
Rebekka falls in love with her psychiatrist – and her love is returned. Far from
feeling any scruples, they run off to an island. It is common (literary) knowledge that
the normal state of affairs may be temporarily suspended on islands. A lover, a product of
Rebekka's childish fantasies, makes his appearance, and the scene verges on the mystical.
In the end, there is a welcome return to sobriety which does not threaten their love,
however. Scandinavian young adult fiction gives the readers what they ask for; but more
importantly, it refrains from constraining educational ambitions, taking the audience more
serious than many others. (16+)