Library Lad and Ladies, April 2012: Scandinavia
Swedish author Steig Larsson’s hugely popular Millenium series has drawn renewed
attention to Scandinavia. This cluster of northern European countries has a rich literary
and historical heritage that appeals to young and old alike. Compelling characters and
the unique climate and culture of the Nordic region are hallmarks of Scandinavian
writing. From the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen, legends and Viking tales to
cold, dark mystery thrillers, Scandinavia offers a wealth of compelling reading.
What Life Was Like When Longships Sailed – Vikings AD 800-1100 by The Editors of
Time-Life Books (1998).This colorful volume introduces a race of neatly groomed,
articulate craftsmen and jewelers who wrote poetry, law books, and fancied themselves
skilled farmers. Quite the contrast to the wild haired, bearded, shrieking plunderers
projected in film and romance novels! Although the Vikings had their dark and brutally
aggressive tendencies, they were also creative, innovative and hard working.
Wonderful illustrations, photos, and brightly written text make this book an eye opening
joy.--Russell Miller
Trouble with Trolls by Jan Brett (1995). The trolls on Mt. Baldy are lonely. What would
make them happy is a dog of their own, but Treva won’t give up her dog Tuffi. Those
trolls are in for a surprise when they go up against this feisty girl who loves her dog. The
Troll series by Jan Brett is always fun and each book is a joy to read. The illustrations
are just perfect and the trolls are a great mix of mischievous and cute. You can’t help
but root for them to find a pet.—Normalene Zeeman
His Name Was Raoul Wallenberg: Courage, Rescue, and Mystery During World War II
by Louise Borden (2012). Swedish citizen Raoul Wallenberg traveled the world, spoke
five languages, and was a polished, but somewhat aimless young man at the age of 30.
In 1944, learning that the lives of 160,000 Budapest Jews were threatened, Wallenberg
found his purpose. Appointed a Swedish diplomat in Hungary, he created a “schutzpass”, a passport bearing the three crowns of neutral Sweden. Wallenberg issued
thousands of schutz-pass, officially protecting Budapest Jews from deportation and
death. Borden writes in free verse and illustrates this biography with fascinating
photographs and documents. Her writing and research create a moving, suspenseful
account of courage and self-sacrifice.--Martha Baden
The Snowman, by Jo Nesbo (2011). A child’s mother disappears during the night of
Oslo’s first snowfall of the season. Outside, the serial killer has left his calling card in the
form of a sinister snowman. Inspector Harry Hole, brilliant, full of heart and deeply
flawed, is drawn into the investigation. Nesbo’s plot twists and turns create a
suspenseful and intricate read. If you enjoy Scandinavian mysteries, Jo Nesbo’s series
of Detective Hole thrillers should be at the top of your list!
Prescott’s Library Lad and Ladies are on the staff of the Prescott Public Library.