Copenhagen Literary Agency

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Copenhagen Literary Agency Fall 2015

Rights list


Copenhagen Literary Agency is the result of a merger between Leonhardt & Høier Literary Agency (established 1951) and Lars Ringhof Agency (established 2001). The merger began late in 2014 and will be finalized in October 2015. The combined agencies represent prizewinning and bestselling Nordic writers worldwide, a talented selection of Danish authors in Denmark and a distinguished list of foreign proprietors in Scandinavia (as subagents). Owners are Monica Gram (mg) and Lars Ringhof (lr) Senior agent is Esthi Kunz (ek) Anneli Høier (ah) is an associated agent Other agents Ane Lauenblad Solvej Todd and Eva Haagerup (maternity leave until January 2016) Finance Celeste Meersohn Assistants Stephanie Andén Rika Pydde and Alex Buk-Swienty Address Frederiksholms Kanal 2, 3. floor DK-1220 Copenhagen K E-mail: firstname@cphla.dk www.cphla.dk


Hot list


Hot list

Carsten Jensen (DK) THE FIRST STONE 4


Hot list In the tradition of the great war novels of literature, Carsten Jensen’s epic new novel explores the dramatically-changing nature of modern warfare and takes the reader on a soul-wrenching journey into the heart of contemporary darkness. When a Danish army unit is catastrophically betrayed, twelve rogue soldiers, their chaplain and a disillusioned camp commander set out on a mission of revenge into unknown territory. First Stone is a gripping, panoramic drama about the power of myth-making and the limits of war. Carsten Jensen is unquestionably one of the most exciting authors writing in Scandinavia today. I always look forward hugely to his books. He is, in my opinion, an utterly unique storyteller. - Henning Mankell In 2009 Carsten Jensen was awarded the prestigious Olof Palme Prize for his “work, in word and deed, to defend the weak and vulnerable as well in his own country as around the world”. His previous novel, We, the Drowned, has sold more than 500,000 copies world-wide. Original title Den første sten Published in Denmark by Gyldendal (2015) 650 pages

Agent: ah

Publishers Germany: Knaus/RH Norway: Forlaget Press Previous publishers Brazil: Alaúde Bulgaria: Janet 45 Denmark: Gyldendal Estonia: Atlex Finland: Werner Söderström OY France: Maren Sell Editeurs & 10/18 Germany: Knaus Verlag/RH Greece: Nea Ekdotiki Hungary: Kossuth Italy: Rizzoli Netherlands: Mouria

Norway: Press Poland: W.A.B. Portugal: Bertrand Russia: Atticus Serbia: Carobna Knijga Spain: Salamandra Sweden: Albert Bonniers Förlag Turkey: Dedalus UK: Harvill Secker USA: Harcourt Film: Jomami Filmproduktion

5 Russia: Atticus


Hot list

Morten Strøknes (NO) SHARK DRUNK 6


Hot list A book about a mission, the famous Lofoten islands Vestfjorden (the West Fjord) and the art of catching a shark from a tiny rubber dinghy. More than anything: It is a book about the ocean. At the great depths off Lofoten, the great Greenland shark swims. This shark can grow up to eight meters long and weigh considerably more than a ton. The meat of this shark contains a poison that when consumed is known to make people or dogs intoxicated. Shark Drunk is the story of two friends who become obsessed with bringing the iconic monster up to the surface. One is the author and the other is the artist Hugo Aasjord. Morten Strøksnes is winner of the Norwegian Språkråd-prize 2011. Morten Strøksnes has written reportages, essays, portraits, columns and reviews for most major Norwegian newspapers and magazines, and is a frequent contributor to public debates. Strøksnes has published four critically acclaimed books of literary reportage and contributed to several others. In 2010 he published A Murder in Congo which is an account of the circumstances around and the case against the two Norwegians, Tjostolv Moland and Joshua French in Congo. Original title Havboka Published in Norway by Forlaget Oktober (2015) 320 pages English sample available Agent: mg

Previous publishers Sweden: Leopard

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Hot list

Ida Jessen (DK) A CHANGE OF TIME 8


Hot list Ida Jessen’s new novel is a masterful example of European literary realism at its very best. A Change of Time tells the story of a newly widowed teacher, who in the late 1920s finds herself too easily overwhelmed by bitterness towards her married years, while also struggling to re-invent a new meaning for herself as the times are slowly changing around her. Nominated for Novel of the Year by Danish Public Radio Praise for A Change of Time  It is a breaks your heart to finish such a wonderful novel. - Fyns Stiftstidende  A subtle, uplifting portrait of a woman in mourning – and her will to live. […] Ida Jessen has delivered another wonderful novel. - Berlingske With absolutely no false notes, it only takes a few words about an ordinary life for the author to create a sense of magic and locked-away emotions. - Weekendavisen Ida Jessen is a master of realistic fiction, a member of The Danish Academy, a bestselling author since 1998 and the translator of several major authors, including Alice Munro and Marilynne Robinson. Original title En ny tid Published in Denmark by Gyldendal (2015) 208 pages English sample available.

Agent: ek

Previous publishers ANZ: UWA Estonia: Ny Norden Germany: Suhrkamp The Netherlands: De Geus Norway: CappelenDamm Russia: Publishing House MIC Sweden: Kabusa Böcker Spain: Lengua De Trapo 9


Hot list

Erik Fosnes Hansen (NO) A LOBSTER LIFE 10


Hot list The first novel in 10 years from internationally acclaimed bestselling author Erik Fosnes Hansen (Psalm at Journey’s End, Tales of Protection). Sedd is a young boy, growing up with his sturdy Norwegian grandfather and eccentric Austrian grandmother in a Norwegian mountain hotel in the early 1980’s. The hotel specializes in weddings, and there are no weddings without a drunken uncle, a missing necklace, a stolen kiss, a horrible quarrel – all things that his grandfather, the director of the hotel, will have to disperse with the elegance of a true magician. When young Karoline enters the scene, together with her parents, Sedd reluctantly gets a new friend. On a fatal fishing trip the two are drawn together by the bond of having saved a life and been saved. A Lobster Life is filled with humour, exquisite prose and an elegant cast of characters set around a tragic secret and a coming bankruptcy. Original title Et hummerliv To be published in Norway by Cappelen Damm (2015) Sample chapter in English available.

Agent: ah

The Lion Woman - soon to be an international feature film The Lion Woman, a novel about a girl born in 1910 with the rare disease Hypertrichosis lanuginosa congenita, also called Golsalves’ disease: she is covered from head to toe in silky hair. The Lion Woman is an epic novel about loneliness, about growing up and about the creation of a unique and strong personality. To be released as a feature film in 2016. Original title Løvekvinnen, 421 pages Published in Norway by Cappelen Damm (2006)

Agent: ah

Publishers Denmark: Gyldendal France: Gallimard Germany: Kiepenheuer & Witsch Italy: Marco Tropea Editore Latvia: Atena Netherlands: De Geus Spain: JP Libros Sweden: Bonniers

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Hot list

Josefine Klougart (DK) COLUMBIA BLUE 12


Hot list New novel from sensational Danish talent, Josefine Klougart, expected in late fall 2015. Original title Columbia Blue Agent: mg To be published in Denmark by Gladiator (2015) Previous novels On Darkness is both a story of destruction and creation. There are earthquakes, avalanches, explosions, cloudbursts, horse calamities, eye accidents, a young man who loses his father, possibly a murder, at least lots of death. There’s love, pearls, beautiful presents, apple pillaging, a trip to Italy, walks on the beach, all the silver you can carry and amber. Nominated for Novel of the Year 2014 by Danish Public Radio Nominated for The Readers’ Award (Læsernes Bogpris) Original title Om mørke Published in Denmark by Gladiator (2014) 329 pages

Agent: mg

One of Us is Sleeping portrays a young woman’s time with her lover as well as with his “deceased” predecessor, at the same time pursuing a present-time narrative encompassing a journey back to the snowcovered landscape of childhood. Vivid depictions of nature interplay with dialogue and scenes from a life in love. Scandinavia now has its own Virginia Woolf. -Mari Nymoen Nilsen, VG, Norway, starred review Original title En af os sover Agent: mg Published in Denmark by: Rosinante (2013) 260 sider Full French translation and English sample and synopsis available Publishers include: Bulgaria: Perseus Publishing Croatia: VBZ France: Actes Sud Norway: Gyldendal Norsk forlag Sweden: Albert Bonniers Förlag Turkey: Bence Kitap World English: Deep Vellum Publishing (On Darkness) World English: Open Letter Books (One of Us is Sleeping) 13


Hot list Sanne Bjerg (DK) THE BOOK OF MISTAKES A sprawling, colorful novel about family, football and chess! And the greatest mistake of many; the plan to kidnap Lionel Messi. Meet Vaclav Krakowiak. His job as an agent is to help his clients achieve their goals in business or in life. He is an agent of agencies. To have an agency is “what distinguishes he who in his life knows the plan, the meaning and the reason of his moves.” Vaclav Krakowiak likes chess, a game he has studied since he was a boy in communist Prague. He firmly believes, that in order to succeed with your agency and to achieve your goals, you must be aware of every possible move within your field of play, and most importantly; you must avoid all mistakes.

Sanne Bjerg published her first novel in 1989. The Book of Mistakes is her second book. She has worked as a librettist and director of a small opera house in Copenhagen. Lionel Messi is possibly the world’s greatest football player.

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When young Leonid Maria Brown walks into Krakowiak International Agencies and declares that Mr. Krakowiak is the agent to help him reach his goal in life, which is to play football for F.C. Barcelona in the Champion’s League, he could not have chosen an agent less suitable for the job, as this agent knows absolutely nothing about football. But he knows a thing or two about achieving your goals in life. Or so he believes.

Full manuscript in English available. 500 pages. Agent: lr


Recently published


Recently published

J贸n Kalman Stef谩nsson (IS) FISH HAVE NO FEET 16


Recently published Fish have No feet is set in a little town that lies deep within the steep mountains of the eastern fjords in Iceland, in Keflavik, a town that has been called Iceland's darkest place. It is the story of people who love and suffer, who are searching and running away, a story about pain and loss, violence and a sea full of fish that you are not allowed to fish. You will be carried away by the beauty and the strength of this brilliant novel. The author’s reflection on human condition is delivered in a graceful breath that never ceases to be stunning. - Alexandre Fillon, Le Journal du Dimanche Nominated for the 2015 Nordic Council Literature Prize Nominated for the 2015 Prix Femina Award Nominated for the 2015 French Literary Award Prix Médicis Original title Fiskarnir hafa enga fætur Published in Iceland by: Bjartur (2013), 358 pages Complete French and German translation available New novel (Second Part of Fish Have No Feet) AROUND THE SAME SIZE AS THE UNIVERSE Original title: Eitthvað á stærð við alheiminn Published in Iceland by Bjartur, October 2015, 355 pages Agent: mg Rights sold to: France: Gallimard Netherlands: Ambo Anthos Previous publishers Albania: Publishing House Fan Noli Arabic: Dar Al-Muna Brasil: Companhia das Letras Bulgaria: Janet 45 China: Beijing Xiron Books (simplified) Croatia: Fraktura Czech Republic: Dybbuk Publ. House Denmark: Batzer & Co. France: Gallimard Germany: Piper Verlag Hungary: Typotex Publishing Italy: Iperborea

Netherlands: Ambo Anthos Norway: Press Poland: W.A.B. Portugal: Cavalo de Ferro Romania: Polirom Spain: Salamandra Sweden: Svante Weyler Förlag Turkey: Epsilon UK/World English: MacLehose Press US: Quercus Film option for the trilogy: Anagram Film & TV

17 Jón Kalman Stefánsson had his international breakthrough with the Trilogy about the Boy which includes the titles Heaven and Hell, The Sorrow of Angels and The Heart of Man, for which he gained international


Recently published

John Ajvide Lindqvist (SE) I WILL ALWAYS FIND YOU 18


Recently published John Lindqvist is nineteen and wants to be a magician. In September 1985 he moves into a narrow and dark back building in Stockholm. It is general election time in Sweden, and John is entitled to vote for the first time in his life. He votes for Olof Palme, and the social democrats win the election. But the magicians’ championship in Copenhagen is much more important. He does not win. Instead he is taken by the police for theft, and when he gets out of prison something has changed, a strange and scary movement seems to have taken place in his nearest surroundings. I Will Always Find You is a magical autobiography between fact and fiction. It includes a number of keys to John Ajvide Lindqvist’s books and is unlike anything he has ever written. Sweden’s answer to Stephen King - Daily Mirror I Will Always Find You is a stand-alone prequel to his previous novel I am Behind You. Original title Rörelsen Published in Sweden by Ordfront (2015) 273 pages

Agent: ah

John Ajvide Lindqvist has written for the TV series Reuter & Skoog as well as stage plays and other TV drama. Let the Right One In was his first novel. Previous publishers ANZ: Text Publishing, Bulgaria: Colibri and lztok-Zapad Brazil: Alaude and Globo Livros China (complex): Locus , China (simplified): China Citic Publishing House, Croatia: SysPrint, Czech Republic: Argo, Denmark: Rosinante, Estonia: Varrak, Finland: Gummerus, France: Editions Télémaque, Germany: Lübbe , Greece: Oxy Publishing, Hungary: Kiadó, Indonesia: Gramedia Publishers, Japan: Hayakawa, Korea: Munhakdongne, Lithuania: Media Incognito/ Obuolys, Netherlands: A. W. Bruna, Norway: Cappelen Damm, Poland: Amber, Portugal: Bertrand EditoraRomania: Editura Trei, Russian: Azbooka, Serbia: Evro Giunti, Slovakia: Marencin PT, Spain: Espasa Calpe, Thailand: The Aspirer Group, Turkey: Pegasus, UK: Quercus, USA: St. Martin’s Press/Thomas Dunne Books, Vietnam: Phuong Nam Books

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Recently published Kirsten Hammann (DK) HOME ALONE Sara is in her late thirties, a freelancejournalist living with her boyfriend, the divorced businessman Philip, who owns a big, luxurious flat, in the middle of Copenhagen. Living upstairs, is the beautiful Frederikke. Every other week, Philip’s two daughters come and stay with them. Sara loves Philip. The only thing missing is a child of their own. One day, the food starts to taste a little funny and Sara constantly feels the need to sleep. How well do we think we know our partners, and what part of that is just a fantasy? A kind of vigorous, desperate energy, that will undoubtedly put you in a good mood. - Berlingske Extremely funny and ominously creepy. – Ekstra Bladet Hamman was nominated for the Nordic Literary Prize 2005. Original title Alene hjemme

Agent: mg

Published in Denmark by Gyldendal (2015) 313 pages. English sample/synopsis available. Previous publishers Germany: btb/Random House Hungary: Napkút Kiado Iceland: Draumsyn Norway: Gyldendal Norsk Forlag Sweden: Kabusa

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Recently published Anna Grue (DK) ITALY STREET A surprising love story, written by one of Denmark’s most beloved crime writers. A study of marriage, with convincing characters, a humorous tone and a heavy 1950’s atmosphere. A young Italian woman, Vittoria Contini, arrives in Copenhagen with a baby, a Fiat 500, a thick envelope of money and a basic understanding of the language, but no knowledge of the customs and culture of her new country. What is she escaping from? How will she survive? And what will happen when she accepts a job as a housekeeper in the home of Ejner Møller, a doctor who has lost his wife? Truly entertaining. - Politiken Original title Italiensvej Published by Politikens Forlag (2015) 469 pages Agent: ek

Previous publishers Armenia: Guitank France: Gaïa Editions Germany: Atrium Iceland: Forlagiđ Italy: Marsilio, Norway: CappelenDamm Sweden: Piratförlaget

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Recently published Niels Lyngsø (DK) MY UNKNOWN BROTHER An encyclopedic novel about sex, love and interstellar dust clouds. A forty year old man is found on the helipad of the national hospital. He believes he is going to be abducted by aliens, but instead he ends up under the supervision of the psychiatrist Anna Gabrielsen.

NEW CLIENT

Narrated by a voice unknown until the last chapter, the novel looks at the upbringing of a boy and young man in the Danish welfare state, and examines the loneliness created within a tightknit society.  A story of an intelligent, but awkward loner and a great contemporary novel with quiet wit and soft irony, and so dramatic and perceptive, that you will race through its pages. - Jyllands-Posten

Niels Lyngsø, born 1968, is an acclaimed Danish poet and the translator, of among others, Philip Roth, Junot Díaz and Marcel Proust. My Unknown Brother is his second novel.

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 A both entertaining, moving and very intelligent novel about a time and a life. Hard to put down, even when it hurts. Like life itself. roman om en tid og et liv. Svær at slippe, selv når det gør ondt. Som livet selv. - Berlingske Tidende Original title Min ukendte bror

Agent: ek

Published in Denmark by Gyldendal (2015) 320 pages


Recently published Marit Eikemo (NO) ALL-INCLUSIVE Agnes and her six year old daughter, Maja, move into a housing unit in an ordinary Norwegian suburb, without any social network, friends, money or furniture. A colorful cast of characters, amusing scenes and a scrupulous exploration, Marit Eikemo presents a sharp portrait of our society today and shows how we live alone side by side. I’m always stunned by how good Eikemo really is […] Marit Eikemo’s fourth novel establishes her as one of our sharpest contemporary voices. - Dagbladet

NEW CLIENT

Eikemo strikes again. […] Marit Eikemo excells through her language, humor and empathy, and as an important observer of our time. - nrk All-Inclusive is on Aftensposten’s top 6 favorite Norwegian fiction titles for Autumn 2015. Original title Alt inkludert

Agent: ek

Published in Norway by: Samlaget (2015) 320 pages Marit Eikemo currently works as an editor at a Norwegian publishing house. She has published three critically acclaimed novels and an essay collection.

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Recently published Ane Riel (DK) RESIN What will a sensitive person do, when he experiences loss again and again and finally cannot bear to lose anything anymore? Maybe he chooses to escape. Or maybe he decides to kill his mother. Maybe he will report the death of his child. Or let his wife die. Maybe he will drown himself in things he cannot let go of. Maybe. What happens to a beloved child, who grows up in an upside-down world? Where the good are bad, right is wrong, darkness is light and the dead are alive. A child who must not talk to anyone. A child hidden from the world. And what does the world do? Danish Crime Academy's prize for best crime debut 2013. Original title Harpiks Published in Denmark by Tiderne Skifter (2015) 256 pages Agent: ek Ane Riel studied art history and has published a number of books for children. Her fist adult novel was an instant bestseller.

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Previous publishers Germany: btb


Recently published Erling Jepsen (DK) NATURE’S GENTLEMEN Erling Jepsen’s new novel is set in Southern Jutland, in an eerie village. Peaceful from the outside, but danger lurks everywhere. It is a place with more to people than meets the eye. It is a place where every movement is scrutinized, especially when it has to do with the German border from where things that might pose a threat to the region can come. Private border patrols play a major role, and there are things that no one talks about, such as Sigvart’s farm, where a number of women of an uncertain origin live, and where many men go in and out. You will laugh out loud and shake your head in disbelief. – Jyllands-Posten Original title Hjertets dannelse Published in Denmark by Gyldendal (2015) 299 pages Agent: ah Previous publishers Bulgaria: Balkani Czech Rep: Knihovnica France: Sabine Wespieser France, pocket: Livre de Poche Germany: Suhrkamp Hungary: Napkút Kiado Iceland: Uppkeimar Italy: Voland Netherlands: Cossée Norway: Press Portugal: Eucleia Editora Portugal, new edition: Cavalo de Ferro Spain: Lengua di Trapo Sweden: Norstedts

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Recently published

Susanne Staun (DK) WELCOME TO MY NIGHTMARE

Jan Sonnergaard (DK) FREEZING RAINY ROADS

Ole Tornbjerg (DK) THE BOY FROM GODHAVN

Maria is living a nightmare as she desperately tries to protect her child after a violent divorce. Maria shares the fate of thousands of women and a handful of men.

Freezing Rainy Roads is about those who were young at that time when black was the new black. About love. About friendship and failure.

The Boy from Godhavn is a novel inspired by true events from the 1960’s at Godhavn, a home for boys in Tisvildeleje in Denmark.

A strong and very relevant contemporary novel. - Berlingske Original title Velkommen til mit mareridt Published by People’s Press (2015) 282 pages Agent: ek Previous publishers Finland: WSOY Germany: Klett-Cotta Italy: Newton Compton Norway: Piratforlaget Sweden: Lind & Co 26

Sonnergaard wrote the acclaimed short story collection Radiator. Received the prestigious Jytte Borberg Prize in 2009 for his work. Original title Frysende våde vejbaner Published by Gyldendal (2013) 384 pages. Agent: mg

Tornbjerg is part of the crime fiction duo, Øbro & Tornbjerg. Original title Drengen fra Godhavn Published by DK: Politikens Forlag (2015) 324 pages. Agent: ek Previous publishers Germany: Fischer Norway: Gyldendal Poland: Insignis Media Iceland: Draumsyn


Crime and thrillers


Crime and thrillers

Henning Mankell (SE) 1948 - 2015 28


Crime and thrillers

Henning Mankell has sold around 40 million copies world-wide and is translated into more than forty languages. His crime novels featuring chief inspector Kurt Wallander, have gained fame all over the world. Wallander was most recently portrayed by the British actor Kenneth Branagh, in a television series produced by the BBC. Henning Mankell’s fame relies to a great extent on his series of books about chief inspector Kurt Wallander set in and around the town of Ystad in the southern province of SkĂĽne in Sweden. He has also published novels for children, young people and grown-ups, and he has been awarded several major prizes. In addition to being one of Sweden´s most frequently played playwrights. In June 2008 Henning Mankell was appointed honorary doctor at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Separate rights guide available.

Agent: ah 29


Crime and thrillers

Elsebeth Egholm (DK) DEAD WEIGHT 30


Crime and thrillers The ninth novel in the Dicte Svendsen series Dicte Svendsen is visiting the island of Malta with a group of students, when a boat carrying refugees from Africa is brought into the harbor after a shipwreck. Among the many dead is one white woman, and soon the press and the local police investigation are focusing their full attention on her. Elsebeth Egholm’s crime series has sold over 1 million copies and was made into a TV-series. Season 1 is now showing on American Netflix and filming of season 3 has just started. Elsebeth Egholm debuted in 1999 with The Free Women's Club and has since published a number of books. The first book in the Dicte Svendsen series, Hidden Errors was published in 2001. Egholm is one of Denmarks most widely read authors, and her novels have been sold to a number of countries. Original title Dødvægt Published in Denmark by: Politikens Forlag (2015) 392 pages

Agent: ek

Previous publishers France: Le Cherche Midi Germany: Aufbau Iceland: Forlagiđ Italy: Einaudi Japan: Tokyo Sogensha Netherlands: Prometheus NZ: Murdoch Books Norway: Schibsted Poland: Replika (rights reverted) Sweden: Damm Hungary: XXI. Század Kiadó

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Crime and thrillers Helene Tursten (SE) HUNTING GROUND Volume 1 in new crime series: Detective Inspector Embla Nyström is on her way up to Dalsland and the annual moose hunt. But this year’s hunt turns out to be very different from what the hunting team had looked forward to, when two of the hunters suddenly disappear. When one of them is found dead, Embla’s holiday is over. Together with her colleagues Göran and Hampus,, from the mobile unit in Västra Götaland, they embark on the hunt for the killer. Fans of Henning Mankell and Håkan Nesser will enjoy Tursten. - Library Journal In 2010 Helene Tursten was shortlisted for the prestigious French litterature prize, 11e édition du Prix SNCF du polar, for the French translation of her novel The Torso.

Previous publishers Finland: Schilds France: Michel Lafon Hungary: Kossuth Italy: Fanucci Editore Lithuania: Metodika The Netherlands: De Geus Norway: Piratforlaget Poland: Videograf Spain: Editorial Nausicaa Thailan: Sanskrit Co. Ltd Turkey: Dharma World English: Soho Press

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The Irene Huss series includes ten novels, all bestsellers in Sweden, and have sold more than four million copies world-wide. The series have been filmed by Illusion Film in Sweden in cooperation with German ZDF. Original title Jaktmark Published in Sweden by: Kabusa (2014) 233 pages Agent: ah Rights sold: Germany: btb Random House Czech Republic: Motto/Albatros Media Denmark: Lindhardt and Ringhof World English: Soho Press


Crime and thrillers Monica Kristensen (NO) THE EXPEDITION Volume 5 in the Svalbard series: A Norwegian expedition team has been struck by a mysterious disease. The leader of the expedition refuses to cancel the project. They must reach the North Pole, no matter at what cost. Knut Fjell has no choice. He must stay in the ice desert to take care of a disintegrating expedition under increasing pressure as they approach the North Pole. And a danger is lurking in the shadows, a danger of unknown dimensions. The best crime novel of the season, by the Ice Queen, Monica Kristensen. - Dagbladet The overall aim of The Svalbard Series is to describe confrontations between ordinary, decent human beings and people twisted by greed, hatred, thoughts of revenge, or simple stupidity and panic. Original title:Ekspedisjonen Published in Norway by: Press (2014) 309 pages Agent: ah Previous publishers of the Svalbard Series Czech Republic: Motto / Albatros Media Denmark: Sohn Forlag France: Editions Gäia Germany: btb Italy: Iperborea Netherlands: De Geus Slovakia: Marencin PT Publishers (Slovakia) Sweden: Leopard Förlag

Monica Kristensen is one of Norways’ finest scientists of the Polar regions and has led spectacular expeditions under Arctic and Antarctic skies. She has taken part in several research investigations at Svalbard.

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Crime and thrillers Tony Johansson (SE) THE THIRD PASSENGER Johanssons debut political thriller, unfolds with an incredible drive and film-like quality, with its intelligent and authentic dialogue and a truly unsettling plot. Written along the lines of Sjöwall and Wahlöö, Mankell and Stieg Larsson, it is based on a series of true events involving terrorism, a CIA surveillance cover up, and the Scandinavian secret service. An incredibly readable novel, that moves in the borderland between being a psychological thriller and a spy thriller. - Piteåtidningen When I first read The Third Passenger, I quickly realised that I was part of something sensational – a new master had taken over the thriller genre. - Petri Stenman, Like publishing Reoccurring topics in Johanssons novel are the dangers of mass surveillance, society and the war on terrorism.

Original title Den tredje Passageraren Published in Sweden by: Celanders Förlag (2014) 264 pages. Agent: mg Publishers Denmark: People´s Press Finland: Like

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Crime and thrillers Ragnar Jónasson (IS) SNOWBLIND 1st book in the Dark Iceland Crime series. Siglufjör∂ur: winter in a small, isolated fishing town in the northernmost part of Iceland accessible only via a small mountain tunnel. Ragnar Jónasson writes with a chilling, poetic beauty – a must-read addition to the growing canon of Iceland Noir. -Peter James Seductive ... an old-fashioned murder mystery with a strong central character and the fascinating background of a small Icelandic town cut off by snow. Ragnar does claustrophobia beautifully. -Ann Cleeves

The dark Iceland series: a five book series set in the northernmost town in Iceland

Original title Snjóblinda Published in Iceland by: Bjartur (2010) 264 pages Agent: mg Full English translation available

Publishers Arabic: Kalima Germany: S. Fischer Verlag Italy: Marsilio Editori Poland: Wydawnictwo Amber (twobook-deal) UK: Orenda Books (twobook-deal) US: St. Martin’s Press (two-book deal)

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Crime and thrillers

Thomas Clemen (DK) BERLIN 404 A thriller set in the future underneath a Berlin Wall that never fell. Jacob and Berendine discovers something more shocking than anyone could have imagined. A strong political thriller - Berlingske Published in Denmark by Modtryk (2015) Agent: ek

Leif Davidsen (DK) THE ACCIDENTAL DEATH OF THE PATRIARCH An epic Russian drama about unholy alliances between religion and politics and between love and revenge. If you’re a fan of crime fiction, there is no reason to hold back. - Weekendavisen Author of several bestselling novels. Published in Denmark by L&R (2013) Previous publishers Germany: dtv France: Gaïa Czech Rep.: Kniha Zlin Agent: lr

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Kjell Eriksson (SE) SHOOTING HORSES An absorbing novel about the Spanish Civil War, that follows a group of volunteers during a strenuous and dangerous march where friendships and political loyalty are put to test. Winner of the 2013 Ivar-Lo Prize of the Swedish trade union. Published in Sweden by Ordfront (2014) The Ann Lindell crime novels are published in 20 markets. Agent: ah


Crime and thrillers

Elias Palm (SE) MEMENTO MORI Meet coroner Ella Andersson and her colleagues as they try to solve the puzzle of a disfigured head. Elias Palm could be the new great crime author that Sweden so badly needs. - Tidningen Kulturen Memento mori follows Corpus delicti (2010) and Causa mortis (2011) all of which can be read independently. Elias Palm works as a coroner in Lund. Published in Sweden by Ordfront (2013) Publishers Germany: Goldmann Agent: ek

Henrik Tord (SE) THE TEARS OF LAZARUS

Øbro & Tornbjerg (DK) THE NORWEGIAN JOB

The Tears of Lazarus is a new great novel where the plot revolves around import wife’s, alienation, religion and cold-blooded murder.

A tremendous psychological thriller about the international war on drugs.

A strong book about bullying, religion and superstition. - Dalademokraten The critically acclaimed Paradis noir trilogy takes place in Sweden and Southeast Asia. Film rights sold to Rights2Screen Published in Sweden by Ordfront (2014) Agent: ek

Damn! All that sex and mediation makes me loose it! – Jim Hellberg The fourth independent book in the bestselling crime series about Katrine Wraa. Published in Denmark by Politikens Forlag (2014) Previous publishers Germany: Fischer V. Norway: Gyldendal Poland: Insignis Media Iceland: Draumsyn Agent: ek 37


Non-fiction


Non-fiction Henrik Marstal (DK) TRAITOR TO MY GENDER The gender debate rages. It has been decades since we last experienced such a frequency of posts in the public debate on equality, the focus on body image, sexism, gender discrimination, women and men’s roles between couples, within families and in society. Traitor To My Gender is a collection of nine letters to a white, heterosexual man. Based on examples taken from everyday life and current gender debates at home and abroad, Henrik Marstal explains what he and other gender advocates mean, when they use and question concepts such as patriarchy, sexism, male entitlement, heteronormativity, rape culture and privilege blindness. The letters provide an overview of the historical events and trends that have contributed to men’s self-image today. The book can be recommended to men in general, whether they follow the gender equality debate from the sidelines and don’t really understand what all the fuss is about or those who would like to gain a better understanding and an overview, both in terms of privilege, culture and norms. - Kvinfo Original title Breve fra en kønsforræder Published in Denmark by Tiderne Skifter (2014) 280 pages. Agent: ek

Henrik Marstal is a gender debater and blogger for one of Denmark’s main papers, Politiken. He is also a musician, producer, holds a PhD in Musicology, is an associate professor at the Rhythmic Music Conservatory and is a member of the Danish Arts Foundation

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Non-fiction

Tom Buk-Swienty (DK) FIRE AND BLOOD ‘TILL DEATH DO US PART 40


Non-fiction The Violent life and times of Captain Wilhelm Dinesen 1845 + 1895 Wilhelm Dinesen was an officer, a writer, a hunter, landowner, politician and the father of Karen Blixen. At age 49 he hung himself in a hotel room in Copenhagen. Captain Dinesen, as he came to be known, was a war hero at 19, an officer in the French-Prussian War, witness to the Paris Commune in 1871, and a hunter among American Indians in Wisconsin before he joined the Turks in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877. He experienced some of the bloodiest battles of his times and miraculously survived to write about it, but not to live a normal life after it was over. A fabulous story - Politiken An outstanding storyteller - Berlingske Tom Buk-Swienty follows Captain Dinesen to the bitter end of a colorful and dramatic life – and in the process uncovers information that will shed a new light on a suicide, that has been unexplained since those mysterious days of March 1895. Original title: Ild og blod, Til døden os skiller Agent: ek Published in Denmark by: Gyldendal (2013, 2014), 520/560 pages Published by Germany: Osburg Verlag Norway: Gyldendal UK: Profile Books Tom Buk-Swienty is the author of Slaughterbench Dybbøl and Doomsday Als – the books behind 1864 - the 8-part TV drama series. Before that he wrote The Other Half: The Life of Jacob Riis and the World of Immigrant America a biography of the photographer and reporter Jacob A. Riis.

Coming in 2016: Tom Buk-Swienty is currently at work on a dual biography of two of Wilhelm Dinesen’s children, Karen and Thomas. Karen became the world famous author Karen Blixen, aka Isak Dinesen, and Thomas followed in his father’s footsteps as a soldier, enlisting in the Canadian Army and receiving the Victoria Cross after his duty on the battlefields of Europe in 1914. 41


Non-fiction

Erika Fatland (NO) SOVIETISTAN 42


Non-fiction A Journey to the Strangest Places in Central-Asia In her third documentary account, Erika Fatland takes the reader on a journey that is unknown to even the most seasoned globetrotter. The five former Soviet Republics’ all became independent when the Soviet Union fell apart in 1991. How have these countries developed since then? With this in mind, Erika Fatland explores with her usual compassion and vast knowledge of these societies, their recent and ancient history, their culture and landscapes. She invites the reader to witness gripping human encounters and interesting accounts of how the Soviet heritage has influenced these countries. Named “One of the Best Norwegian authors under 35” in June 2015 Winner of the Norwegian Prize for Nonfiction 2015 For her book on the tragedy of Beslan, The Village of Angels (2011) Erika Fatland was nominated for the Norwegian BRAGE-prize. Erika Fatland is a Norwegian author and social anthropologist, born 1983. Studied in Lyon, Helsinki, Copenhagen and at the University of Oslo where she completed her MA in Social Anthropology in 2008.

Original title Sovietistan Published in Norway by Kagge (2014) 495 pages. English sample available. Agent: ah Publishers Denmark: Informations Forlag Estonia: Tänapäev Finland: Siltala France: Gaïa Editions Poland: W.A.B. Foksal Russia: Ripol Classic Publishing Group

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Non-fiction

Jesper Juul (DK) AGGRESSION A NEW AND DANGEROUS TABOO?

Karen Glistrup (DK) TALK ABOUT IT

About human aggression - a frightening number of children are facing exclusion from institutions or referral to therapists for simply showing frustration, anger and displaying “violent” behavior. Juul had his international breakthrough with his books: Your Competent Child, 1995, Here I am! Who are you?, 1998, and has also written numerous other books such as; Life as a family, 2004, and The Art of Saying No, 2006.

What do children know about mental illness? The answer is: "Very little."

Jesper Juul is one of the twelve leading enlighteners, thinkers and visionaries. - Die ZEIT Recent publishers include Agent: mg Denmark: Lindhardt & Ringhof (2013) Estonia: Kirjastus Väike Vanker France: Éditions Fabert Germany: S. Fischer Verlag Hungary: Móra Publishing House Italy: Feltrinelli Norway: Pedagogisk Forum/Habitus AS Poland: Mind Dariusz Syska Publishing Slovenia: Mladinska Knjiga Zalozba Spain: Herder Editorial Sweden: Wahlström & Widstrand/Bonniers 44

I would like to recommend the book to everyone - whether they are directly affected by mental illness in the family or not. - Poul Nyrup Rasmussen,

former Prime Minister of Denmark. Publishers DK: PsykInfo Midt (2014) DE: Kösel Verlag IT: Onlus Agent: mg


Graphic novels and cartoons


Graphic novels and cartoons

Maren Uthaug (DK) THINGS I DID 46


Graphic novels and cartoons

Beloved for her daily cartoon in Politiken – and her very popular blog – Maren Uthaug is a rare talent with a huge following.

Original title Ting jeg gjorde Published in Denmark by Politiken (daily) English sample and synopsis available

Agent: mg

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Halfdan Pisket (DK) DESERTER/COCKROACH 48


Graphic novels, cartoons

Trilogy of graphic novels about Halfdan Pisket’s father, who fled Turkey to become a guest worker in Denmark. Vol. 3 ready in 2016. Original title Desertør, Kakerlak Agent: ek Published in Denmark by: Fahrenheit (2014, 2015), 100/134 pages Sold to: Mexico/Legion Comix 49


Keep an eye on


Keep an eye on Madame Nielsen (DK) THE ENDLESS SUMMER The Endless Summer is the story about a number of people that in the reckless game of love, are thrown out of time and into the endless summer where everything is possible but fateful. At the same time romantic and grim, not just a novel about the heartbreaking illusions of youth but also of a self-consuming love-affair with death. – Carsten Jensen Since 2002 the Danish author Claus BeckNielsen has worked under the name of Das Beckwerk and as of 2011 he changed his name to Nielsen. In March 2015, The Danish Arts Foundation bestowed an award on Madame Nielsen’s novel The Endless Summer.

Original title Den endeløse sommer Published in Denmark by: Gyldendal (2015) 184 pages Agent: ah English sample available Publishers France: Notabilia Norway: Pelikanen Sweden: Kabusa World English: Open Letter Books

Just as ironic as it presents the great, allconsuming encounter with love, just as honest is it’s wish to open up time and examine whether love as an event could be the key. - Politiken 51


Keep an eye on Hanne-Vibeke Holst (DK) KNUD, THE GREAT Hanne-Vibeke Holst’s deeply touching novel about her father’s life from birth and difficult childhood, his schoolyears, his triumphant years as a modern poet in the sixties, his failure in marriage and his brutal descent into alcoholism. Now sold in 100.000 copies. Her finest literary achievement to date. – Jyllands-Posten Plenty of suspense, well written and warmhearted. – Göteborgs-Posten Original title Knud, den store Published in Denmark by: Gyldendal (2013) 576 pages Agent: ek Previous publishers Finland: WSOY France: Éditions d’Ormesson Germany: Piper Verlag Iceland: Forlagid Norway: Gyldendal Norsk Sweden: Albert Bonniers Presently working on a thriller set in Geneva, about a young doctor working with the WHO at a critical time for her – and the world. Manuscript late in 2016.

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Also known for a trilogy of novels about a young woman’s introduction to the world of maledominated politics; The Crownprincess, The King’s Murder and The Queen Sacrifice. (2007-2010).


Keep an eye on Christian Jungersen (DK) YOU DISAPPEAR After seven years of research and writing, Jungersen finished his third novel, You Disappear. It’s a gripping read and it takes the reader several steps beyond the conventions of the thriller. Since publication in Denmark, the book has sold more than 70,000 copies. Jungersen has done it again: written a novel that readers will love. – Weekendavisen The particular Jungersen-ian interweaving of suspense with science is brilliant and unique. - Kristeligt Dagblad

Original title Du forsvinder Agent: ek Published in Denmark by: Gyldendal (2013) 464 pages

Publishers include France: Denoël Germany: btb Random House Hungary: Kossuth Iceland: Draumsyn Netherlands: De Geus Norway: Aschehoug & Co Poland: Znak Sweden: Norstedts Turkey: Ayrinti Yayinlari USA: Nan Talese/Doubleday

A feature film adaptation of You Disappear begin shooting in the fall of 2015. Produced by Zentropa with Nikolaj Lie Kaas (Angels & Demons and The Killing III) and Trine Dyrholm (A Royal Affair and The Celebration).

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Keep an eye on Iben Mondrup (DK) GODHAVN A novel about a year in the secret life of three children transplanted to Greenland more than 30 years ago. With no one to watch, worlds can be created and destroyed in an afternoon. Godhavn is a small town on Disko Island off the Western coast of Greenland, and some 30 years ago the new home to a Danish family with three children; youngest daughter Bjørk, the vulnerable boy Knut and their older sister Hilde, who falls in love with local wild boy Johannes, who becomes the center of events that suddenly and violently spins out of control. With a masterful grip on the epic material the reader is shown the same events through different eyes and hugely different minds […] a long lasting impact that stays with you as a nagging pain and a tremendous grief. – Information Godhavn is beautifully done. - Politiken It looks like a genuine breakthrough! - Weekendavisen Iben Mondrup is an author and performance artist. GODHAVN is her fourth novel.

Winner of Novel of the Year 2014 by Danish Public Radio Original title Godhavn Published in Denmark by Gyldendal (2014) 264 pages Agent: ek

Publishers France: Denöel Netherlands: Querido

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Keep an eye on Harald Voetmann (DK) VISIONS AND TEMPTATIONS Visions and Temptations is the third novel in a trilogy about man's need to understand and conquer nature and destiny. The trilogy portrays three historical thinkers through their thoughts and glimpses of their lives: The Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder, the Danish astronomer and alchemist Tycho Brahe and Benedictine monk Othlo of St. Emmeram. The narrator in Sins and Temptations, Othlo, of St. Emmeram, seeks a truer existence and suspects man’s carnal existence to be a sham. The novel follows Othlo on his sickbed in Regensburg in middle of the eleventh century, on a journey through heaven and hell after Judgment Day. Fabulous: Harald Voetmann concludes his highly original series of historical novels [...] A supreme trilogy for the new millennium. -- Jyllands-Posten Total satisfaction...Voetmann excels again. - Weekendavisen Original title Syner og fristelser Published in Denmark by Gyldendal (2015) 171 pages Agent: mg Previous titles in the trilogy Awake Gyldendal 2010 Everything under the Moon Gyldendal 2014 Publishers Hungaria: Typotex Serbia: Karpos Books

Nominated for the Nordic Council Literature Prize in 2011 for Awake. Nominated for the Critics’ Prize in 2012 for Awake. Everything Under the Moon won the Critic’s Prize in 2015.

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Keep an eye on Adda Djørup (DK) POETRY AND OTHER SHAPES OF DEFIANCE 240 pigs on coke on a golf course. A happy murderess in Paris. Someone, who wants to be a dog. A horny, crying doctor on a train station. 12 drunken poets. An unfaithful bride. A greek chorus and a thicket of brambles. A tiny, chiming bell. 16 short stories about defying the world, death, grief and sickness. And one poem about sleeplessness. The collection shows Adda Djørup as one of our time’s most distinguished writers, with a language, a style, a perfection that does not have many counterparts in today's Danish literature. Read the book! Repeatedly! Djørup is unique. - Torben Wendelboe, Litteratursiden Her 2010 novel, The Least Resistance, won the EU Prize for Literature, and in 2015, one of her short stories were chosen for the Dalkey Archive Press´ Best European Fiction. Original title Poesi og andre former for trods Agent: mg Published in Denmark by: Samleren (2015) 150 pages International publishers include: Bulgaria: Balkani Publishing House Macedonia: Ars Lamina Serbia: Karposn

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Keep an eye on Lene Kaaberbøl, DK THE WILDWITCH 1-6 Wildwitch tells the story of a 12 year girl who battles with issues of confidence and selfesteem, but when events force her out of her comfortable contemporary existence, she discovers a world full of magic - and great danger. The Wildwitch Series is Lene Kaaberbøl’s new, bestselling fantasy series, for the age group 10+. Vol. 1 printed in 36.000 copies in Germany Lene Kaaberbøl writes like a queen and narrates like a witch - Politiken Utterly convincing … a must have. - www.kinderbuch-couch.de Original title Vildheks 1-6 Published in Denmark by Alvilda 164 pages Agent: ek

Publishers: Bulgaria: EMAS France: Bayard Germany: Hanser Latin America: Panamericana Editorial Netherlands: Lannoo Norway: Samlaget China: offer pending Rumania: Eksmo Sweden: Rabén & Sjögren UK (English worldwide): Pushkin Press

Lene Kaaberbøl is known for The Shamer’s Chronicles I-IV,The Madeleine Karno Trilogy and her four contemporary crime novels (w. Agnete Friis) about Red Cross nurse Nina Borg, which began with The Boy in the Suitcase.

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Keep an eye on

Rune Christiansen (NO) THE LONELINESS IN LYDIA ERNEMAN’S LIFE A wonderful novel about being alone […] the story about a woman to whom loneliness is neither a disgrace nor an illness. - Politiken Rune Christiansen has written one of his best novels. - Klassekampen Winner of the Brage Prize 2014. Original title Ensomheten i Lydia Ernemans Liv Published in Norway by Oktober (2014) 256 pages Agent: mg Publishers Denmark: Batzer & Co 58

Cathrine Knudsen (NO) MANUAL

Maja Lee Langvad (DK) SHE IS ANGRY

A modern novel about a woman’s life seen through her relations. A story told through relationships rather than over time.

The author’s Testimony About Transnational Adoption is a deeply personal, multi-voiced, funny and politically fierce work about the adoption industry.

Defines contemporary culture’s discomfort in an extremely precise novel. – Dagens Næringsliv Manual is Cathrine Knudsen’s fourth novel, and the first to be edited by Karl Ove Knausgaard. Original title Manuell Published in Norway by Pelikanen (2014) 208 pages Agent: mg Publishers DK: Gyldendal

This kind of anger can change the world. - Information The author was born in Seoul in 1980 and grew up in Denmark. Original title Hun er vred Published in Denmark by Gladiator (2014) 250 pages Agent: mg Publishers SE: Albert Bonniers


Authors at work


Authors at work

Peter Adolphsen (DK) 60


Peter Adolphsen (DK) Agent: mg The author of Brummstein (2003) and Machine (2006), translated into 10 languages, is working on a new novel. Morten Brask (DK) Agent: ek Author of The Perfect Life of William Sidis (2011) and more recently A Girl and a Boy (2013) is finishing The Women’s Prison, a novel about a rape and its consequences, to be published spring 2016. Daniel Dencik (DK) Agent: ek The author, poet and filmmaker made his feature film debut this year with The Gold Coast, a movie about the Danish slave trade. Most recent novel is Second Person Singular. Christina Hagen (DK) Agent: mg Most recent book is Boyfrind about the prostitution of body and soul, luxury and violence and about being fucked up. Ulf Peter Hallberg (SE) Agent: ah His novel Strindberg’s Shadow in the Paris of the North, was published in 2012. Lone Hørslev (DK) Agent: mg The Year of the Beast is 1666 and the novel portrays a well-known woman in Danish literature, Marie Grubbe. Karen Fastrup (DK) Agent: ek Karen Fastrup is working as a translator, most recently of Harper Lee’s Go Set A Watchman Lotte Garbers (DK) Agent: lr The author and former president of the Danish Authors Association is working on a new novel. Simon Glinvad (DK) Agent: mg The author of two novels and a collection of short stories is working on a collection of essays.

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Birgithe Kosovic (DK) 62


Peder Frederik Jensen (DK) Agent: mg Violence is the title and the subject of Peder Frederik Jensens new novel, to be published in the spring of 2016. Erling Kagge (NO) Agent: mg Under Manhattan (2012) is a walk from the Bronx via Manhattan towards the Atlantic Ocean through sewers and other underground passages. Birgithe Kosovic (DK) Agent: ek At work on a monumental novel about Erik Scavenius, the Danish primeminister who guided Denmark safely through German occupation 1940-45 and became the most hated man in the country. Line Maria L책ng (DK) Agent: mg Her novel, Artichoke Heart, was published by Rosinante in 2013, and she is working on a new novel. Joanes Nielsen (FI) Agent: mg A five time nominee for the Nordic Literature Prize, most recently for The Brahmadells: A North Atlantic Chronicle. Jacob Skyggebjerg (DK) Agent: mg The former rapper had his debut with A Hero of Our Time in 2013. Astrid Saalbach (DK) Agent: mg The awardwinning Danish playwright and author is working on a new novel. Janne Teller (DK) Agent: ek Author of the international bestseller Nothing is working on a new novel, her fist since Come from 2008. Maren Uthaug (DK) Agent: mg Celebrated cartoonist and author of the debut novel The Girl Who Was Simply There is working on a new novel.

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Estates Jakob Ejersbo, DK (1968-2008) Agent: lr The posthumously published work, The African Trilogy, was published in 2009 and has numerous foreign publishers. Foreign rights: GGA Günter Grass, DE (1927-2015) Agent: ah Known around the world for his first novel, The Tin Drum (1959), a key text in European magic realism. Recipient of the 1999 Nobel Prize in Literature. Scandinavian rights only. Gunnar Gunnarsson, IS (1889-1957) Agent: mg The Good Shepherd (Advent) is the book that has appeared most frequently and is still widely read. Gunnarsson was seriously considered for the Nobel Prize, especially in 1955, where the Nobel Prize went to another Icelander: Halldór Laxness. Peter Seeberg, DK (1925-1999) Agent: mg Seeberg made his literary debut with the novel Bipersonerne. He was awarded the Nordic Council´s Literature Prize in 1983 for the short story collection In Fourteen Days. Annemarie Selinko, DK (1914-1986) Agent: mg All of her novels have been translated into numerous languages. Her last work Désirée was about Désirée Clary the one-time fiancée of Napoleon Bonaparte. Henrik Stangerup, DK (1937-1998) Agent: ah Henrik Stangerup spent much of his life in Paris and parts of his books and short stories depicts Paris and life in the city in the 60s and 70s. He received several literary awards.


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