FOREIGN RIGHTS CATALOGUE 2017 INTRODUCTION ...... 2

PUBLISHERS & BOOKSHOPS ...... 4 INTRODUCTION NEW NOVEL COMPETITION ...... 5 FarLit – an abbreviation of Faroese Literature – is a cross-organisational SELECTED WORKS ...... 6 project promoting contemporary Faroese literature on the international book market. The project is supported by the Ministry of Culture. RECENTLY SOLD ...... 30

BOOK PUBLICATIONS: 2012-2017 ...... 32

Since the birth of FarLit in 2012 one of the production grants, recently sold works, artist main activity is to attend book fairs as they are residencies, the Faroese Book Festival, and AWARDS AND NOMINATIONS ...... 36 an excellent platform for introducing Faroese Summer Institute 2018 is included. literature. Thus, we attend the London Book Fair in a joint stand with our NordLit partners, and Enjoy the read! BOOKS WITH THE AS TOPIC & LOCATION . . . . . 38 attend Gothenburg and Franfurt Book Fairs with our own stand. Kind regards, FAROESE BOOK FESTIVAL 25 - 26 NOVEMBER ...... 39 This catalogue presents a wide range of contemporary works and authors selected CONTENT by a literary committée, and a list of book SUMMER INSTITUTE IN AND CULTURE 2018 . . . . . 40 publications from 2012 to 2017. Furthermore, Urd Johannesen other relevant information on translation and Literary Coordinator ARTIST RESIDENCIES ...... 41

NORDIC TRANSLATION GRANT ...... 42

NORDIC ECOLABEL 541 705 PUBLISHERS BOOKSHOPS CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHING Bókadeild Føroya Lærarafelags Nám Pedda við Steingøta 9 Hoyvíksvegur 72 NEW NOVEL FO-100 Tórshavn FO-100 Tórshavn www.bfl.fo www.nam.fo HNJ HNJ is the old and cosy book­ FICTION, NON-FICTION ACADEMIC PUBLISHING shop right in the center of & POETRY Fróðskapur - Tórshavn with a great book Sprotin Faroe University Press selection and a café as part of Hornavegur 12 Fróðskaparsetur Føroya the shop. COMPETITION FO-350 Vestmanna J.C. Svabos gøta 14 Buy books online: Together with Faroese publisher SPROTIN, www.sprotin.fo FO-100 Tórshavn www.bokhandil.fo www.setur.fo/frodskapur the Bookshop Association in the Faroe Islands Mentunargrunnur Studentafelagsins has issued a new novel competition www.ms.fo ART BOOKS Steinprent This is the second time the Bookshop Association issues a competition; Stiðin Skálatrøð 16 the first one was issued in November 2014 in conjunction with the Hornavegur 16 FO-100 Tórshavn Book Festival held at the Nordic House in Torshavn. The winner of the FO-100 Tórshavn www.steinprent.com RIT & RÁK first competition was author Marjun Syderbø Kjelnæs whose novel Email: [email protected] Rit & Rák Bookshop is located “Óendaliga vera” was published in June 2016. The criteria was to Listasavn Føroya in the shopping centre SMS write a contemporary story located in the Faroe Islands. However, the Forlagið Eksil Gundadalsvegur 9 in Torshavn and offers a criteria for the new competition is somewhat leaner in that there are Kronprinsessgade 37, 1.tv. FO-100 Tórshavn comprehensive selection of no restictions on time or location, the only criteria are that it has to 1306 København K www.art.fo Faroese literature in translation. be written in Faroese, be a least 150 pages of 2000 signs, and not be www.forlagideksil.blogspot.com Buy books online: published previously. Gramar www.ritograk.fo Bergsvegur 4 & 6 FO-100 Tórshavn The deadline for handing in manuscripts is 1 September 2018 and the The winner of the first competition was author www.gramar.fo winner is awarded 100,000 DKK and a publishing deal with SPROTIN. Marjun Syderbø Kjelnæs

4 5 SELECTED WORKS: FICTION EXTRACT FROM THE BOOK I SEE YOU BETTER The title of Carl Jóhan protagonist is called Benedikt IN THE DARK Jensen’s novel Eg síggi teg Einarsson, and the story betur í myrkri is a quote from begins on 25 August 1939 Four days later. Emily Dickinson’s poem I see aboard the S/S Lyra, which is A short woman turned away. Bene- thee better – in the Dark. The on its way north from Bergen. dict remained standing outside in the paradox of this line points to The novel is fragmentary shadow of number 47 Gottscheden- the novel’s dual levels in both in composition and jumps straße. The woman turned her cheek to plot and concept. between time periods, him; it had a blueish shadow. The inspiration for the sometimes by way of realistic Benedict‘s upper body shivered, a fine novel’s protagonist is flashbacks, sometimes web of sweat broke out between his skin the Icelandic poet Einar by way of more dreamlike and undershirt. Benediktsson (1864- descriptions. Yet the central The woman made a subtle motion 1940), who not only was a anchoring point is a moment of her hand towards the entrance hall. poet but also had a great on the Lyra’s deck. Though he couldn‘t see her eyes, their national vision of what he The language of the novel is mottled-green look threaded itself into could accomplish for the a poetic language entirely the his brain. modernisation of . In author’s own. A work of art in Still he hesitated. He adjusted him- this fictional treatment the itself. self; the inseam of his pants was too tight and constricted his member. He cursed Jankel’s tailor to himself. CARL JÓHAN JENSEN: And now, the woman had the back of Somehow, it didn‘t seem like they the light came from, whether it streamed her head to him. were supposed to stand like that. up from below, or breathed down from Her hair had a boyish cut. And he could see it all – above. The layout was of a simple de- Her shoulders were narrow. He wouldn’t emerge from this house sign, sparsely lit, sparsely decorated. On EG SÍGGI TEG Benedict relented. Let the mystique on Gottschedenstraße the same man. every surface, and from floor to ceiling, of her coldly-polite attitude drag him No chance of that. an observer could perceive imminent along those eye-spun threads into the And there he was, standing in the en- nuances of blue, excepting the doors. slight wind of the entrance hall, into a trance hall, hat in his hand. His sweat The floor had tiles and the cobalt tiles BETUR Í MYRKRI haphazard connection of chance and cooled between his skin and undershirt. along the baseboard which became consequences. The crotch of his pants was too tight. lighter near the center and there was a Carl Jóhan Jensen, born in 1957, is one of the most original Carl Jóhan Jensen has Just as he crossed the threshold, he The woman locked the street door border, one foot wide, on each side of and provocative writers on the Faroese literary scene today. been awarded The M.A. cast another sidelong glance down behind him. other dark-blue tiles laid aslant, a little Jacobsen Award in 1989, He made his debut in 1977, and has published works of poetry, along the street, at the vans and soldiers Locked it. bigger than the other ones. Between the 2006 and 2015, and is a positioned beneath the gate, motionless The space inside had an atmosphere borders, there was a wide stretch of blue- novels and essays. His works have been translated and five-time nominee for the behind their machine guns, even though of a spacious summer night with blueing ish-white, just like the back of a glacier published in literary journals in , , , the Nordic Council Literary the photographer with his camera and hills, myopic bridges and cliffs, and seen from a distance. Netherlands, Germany and the USA. Prize. tripod was no-where to be seen. unruffled beaches. Hard to tell where Translated by Marita Thomsen

6 7 SELECTED WORKS: FICTION EXTRACT FROM THE BOOK kmd-foto MARJUN S. KJELNÆS: ÓENDALIG VERA ÓENDALIGA VERA Translated by Marita Thomsen (leon) actually look for it, for me that The Postman Now I am nothing, not would have meant making a Marjun S. Kjelnæs, born in 1974, is a decision about stepping back in trained nurse, but has been working as In the beginning I wrote my really. I am a postman, time, and good rarely comes of a full-time writer for some years. With a name in small letters: leon. such decisions. But when I, by number of 1st place wins in short story And then I just kept on doing who carries messages to chance, saw that somebody had competitions, Marjun S. Kjelnæs was it. It was easier for everyone, I posted the song to their profile, awarded a 3-year grant from the Faroese think. Easier to distinguish me people. I accepted that the decision had from Him: Leon the good, the been made for me. Now I listen cultural fund in 2009. mild, the fair. He, who was my to it on my phone, a tune from grandfather, whom I loved the times gone by. I remember the Predominantly known for her works in way so many others loved Him. For a for? And then all the things you have lyrics. The melody is dreadful, but I children’s and Young Adults literature, long time. The way one tends to love no clue about. I don’t even guess, just have always paid more attention to Kjelnæs is also an author of a number heroes and saints. A lot could be said trudge on in the dark, I don’t really feel lyrics than to music. Have rarely ever of poetry collections and short stories about my grandfather, and still is, but anything anymore, I don’t want to know taken any notice of the whole picture and published her first play “Tóm by others, not me. I remember granddad anything either. What difference is it to of anything. Of course a passage from rúm” (Empty rooms) in 2014, which with my childhood feelings, I sense him man whether he conquers or renounces scripture would pop into my head right garnered many positive remarks from all the way back to before I had words the entire world, and whether he looses now: “… Now I know in part; then audience and critics alike. She is very to express what I felt. Later I tried both or keeps his soul? None. So I have let I shall know fully, even as I am fully versatile and productive, and during not to be like him and to be like him. go of both, and that is how come I known.” Leon the first still drones on the last two years she has written But I failed miserably at both tests, don’t hang on to anything, worldly or like voice-over to my thoughts. The a film manuscript, lyrics for singer- shamed and failed myself and others. spiritual. I no longer make any efforts, scripture has words for every occasion song­writer Eivør, published a poetry Now I am nothing, not really. I neither to change anything, nor come to and every feeling, I also learnt that collection “Opna” and in July this am a postman, who carries messages terms with anything. Everything that early on: “Your word is a lamp for year “Óendaliga vera” - her first novel to people. I take unopened letters and I thought mattered slipped through my my feet, a light on my path.” Well, for adults - was published for which parcels to them, without knowing what fingers. I am leon with small letters, a somewhere along the way mine went she has won a novel competition. A is inside, stuff dragged all the way 52-year-old postman. One day after the out. Somewhere I veered off track. In my number of Kjelnæs’ stories have been here from every corner of the world: other takes me by my limp hand and internal desert I take no notice of paths, translated into other languages such China, USA, Europe. The weight in my leads me sluggishly towards evening. be they broad or narrow. “…Their as French, Norwegian, Danish, and hands tells me a little. Books, yes, but I have unearthed a song I used to deeds amount to nothing; their images Icelandic. what about? Gadgets, sure, but what listen to when I was younger. I didn’t are but wind and confusion.”

8 9 SELECTED WORKS: FICTION EXTRACT FROM THE BOOK JÓANES NIELSEN: Jóanes Nielsen, born in 1953, made his debut in 1978 with the poetry collection “Trettandi mánaðin” . Since then he has BOMM­ written several plays, short stories, poetry CANDY HEART collections and novels, many of which have been translated into other Nordic languages. HJARTA The war began in Porkeri a concrete extension, which was where copyholds and ancient sheep marks, and the hens roosted. The spouses slept in the stormy days he would often while away In the late 1920s, Hjartvard had signed attic, as did the two youngest children on the hay mattress in the nook read- Nielsen’s works deal with on to a few spring and summer salt fish who still lived at home, while the wife’s ing that grand heathen book, which is political and existential expeditions in Icelandic waters. That parents had a larger chamber just off the how he referred to the poetry collection issues, with alternating had been on board the Henrietta with sitting room, and with them slept Lísbi- Gaman og álvara by his fellow villager use of irony and sarcasm his contemporary, Volmar í Gjørðum, at ta, Volmar’s retarded sister. She was two Poul F. Joensen. to scrutinise the construct the helm, and now that he was living year’s older than her brother, and he was One day while the shipmates were of society. Jóanes Nielsen on his own he sought the sea again. her big love. Volli, Volli, Volli, she would hauling in a longline by the Dalagrynna has been awarded the Predictably, he did not ask his younger always coo when he came home. shallow south of Baglhólmur, Hjartvard Faroese Literature Prize brother if he would do him the favour Volmar, in all sincerity, said that the asked if Lísbita would not be better off on two occasions, lastly of looking after the livestock or make only place he could offer the guest was a with her forebears. He was at the oars, for his novel from 2011 hay for the winter while he was gone, nook in the basement, and if he would and Volmar, who had been hauling, “Brahmadellarnir” for which he simply ordered him to do it. And settle for that, then he was welcome to now paused for a moment glanced at he was also nominated the Heindrik accepted. Though it was an stay. The nook was crammed between his shipmate with surprise and sent a jet Nordic Council Literature extra burden, he bore it gladly, because the hay store and the cow stall, so he of chewing tobacco across the gunwale, Prize in 2013. The novel was the days were so much brighter without would not freeze to death, and the but did not answer the question. Volmar published by Verlagsgruppe the older brother around. manure channel was handily to the only spoke once they reached the whale Random House in March Just before Christmas 1939, Hjart- right, if he needed to loosen his belt. stomach buoy. Yes, he said, Hjartvard 2016 under the title “Die vard got it into him that he was going Hjartvard thanked him, and over the was probably right. It would be better Erinnerungen”. His novel to head north to Porkeri to visit his months he spent in Porkeri he helped for Lísbita herself, the in-laws and “Bommhjarta” is a sequel shipmate í Gjørðum, and he explained Volmar around the homestead, and they everyone else, if his sister were with her to “Brahmadellarnir” to Heindrik that he would be on the would regularly go fishing together. He forebears. A person’s right to exist and and is published by lookout for a calf to rear and replace would usually have tea with the family, sense of honour were intertwined and Mentunargrunnur Dagros as a breeder, but he could not but some evenings he just tenderized a poor Lísbita was not amongst those who Studentafelagsins in the say when he would return. dried coalfish and had it with a stump had been allotted any of the latter. Autumn 2016. As soon as you passed Klivi, Volmar’s of blubber from the kench on his own. And that was all they said of the house appeared with its knee wall and The rest of the time he spent frequenting matter. steep pitch, and on the western flank other villagers, enjoying their hospital- of its stonewall foundation there was ity and arguing with men about old Translated by Marita Thomsen

10 11 SELECTED WORKS: CRIME EXTRACT FROM THE BOOK Jógvan Isaksen, born in 1950, holds an MA in Nordic Literature and has taught Faroese literature THE QUEENS RING and language at the University of Copenhagen since 1986. He has published a range of books about Visibility was terrible. Every But sir, you must be aware this because he had seen photos Faroese literature and painting, and is now and then he would glance of the ship’s hull. It was however primarily known for his crime novels down at a small chart plot- that what I’m about to tell different holding on to a propeller set in the Faroe Islands. ter where a blinking blue dot blade and observing how tight the showed his location. The outline you could put you in danger space was between the drive shafts His first crime novel, published of Eystararvág and Tinganes was and the rudder. in 1990, made him a household also noticeable and he could see He somehow had to manage to name. Since then he has written he was close to Bursatanga. with its stem facing Bursatanga. When get in between there. After all, that was crime novels for adults and He wondered why the water was the royal yacht’s propellers stopped, he his reason for being here. He grabbed children, and his works have been so murky. You could see only a short could hear the humming of other propel- the front edge of the rudder and pulled translated into Danish, German, distance ahead and down below the lers further off. Perhaps it was coming himself inside the tiny gap. He did this and Icelandic. Recently, he has mud was metres deep. If you were to all the way from Vestara Bryggja. He by first slipping the one shoulder in sold the rights to his crime novels lose something in that mire, it would knew that a defense ship followed Dan- between and then the other. He then to Arabic. “Drotningaringurin” practically be impossible to find. nebrog and that was probably where the worked his fingers around the edge of is his 10th crime novel in the He floated on his back for a while sound was coming from. the narrow keel in front of the rudder series about journalist Hannis above the murkiness and glanced up Gently, gently, all the way down and drew himself in under the ship. For Martinsson towards the surface, which, despite the towards the muddy sea floor, he moved a moment he had a feeling this would grimy waters, gleamed promisingly. around the corner of the wharf. A few work - until suddenly he got stuck. Above were only blue skies. It had been metres above him he could see the stern He tried to pull away but something sunny for weeks with not a drop of rain of the royal yacht. Kicking cautiously was preventing him. He moved his left in this otherwise rain-plagued country. with his flippers he moved up towards hand along his side and could feel his According to the schedule, the boat the ship. No harsh movements. Even weight belt was caught in something. JÓGVAN ISAKSEN: would soon be arriving and he had to be though from above you could only see He turned his head and looked down careful not to be in its way. He kicked a short distance down into the water, along his side and saw that a propeller gently with his flippers and moved movements could still be detected. But blade had come between his belt and southward in the bay. He went to the if you were slow and stealthy there was diving suit. He tried budging backwards corner of the wharf, where Smyril was little chance of being noticed. slightly so that he could slip the belt docked, to wait. Dannebrog had two propellers and its off the blade. That’s when he heard a A moment later he heard the sound drive shafts stuck out from the ship’s side sound from inside the ship. The motor of ship propellers and shortly after he about three metres further along. The had started. He tried frantically to free DROTNINGARINGURIN noticed a long, narrow shadow above rudder came down behind the propellers himself but the propeller began turning him. It was the royal yacht, Dannebrog. and there wasn’t much space between the - turning him with it. It slowly neared the wharf and docked propellers, shafts and rudder. He knew Translated by Lena Anderssen

12 13 SELECTED WORKS: CRIME EXTRACT FROM THE BOOK HEVNDIN ÚR HAVSINS DÝPI

PETROL AND METHYLATED cool off. The spirits would lift again, SPIRITS were kept in the just like the soft inescapable dusk storehouse, handy for setting the over the land. house alight. He wanted the What the hell Anything said in the knitting flames to spread slowly. A gentle club stayed between them. It was an breeze was blowing towards the was she up to? unwritten pact. Maria couldn’t stop valley. The storehouse might be left digging in her soul’s abyss. There was standing. So be it. It would look a lot she needed to get off her chest. like he had done it himself. All She held her glass under the tap, alone in the world and tired of life. This him? And why the fuck did she have to and the words welled out. No, she was was the right punishment. A vengeance come up here now? He had not intended not going to hide that since that terrible from the deep sea. He was in control. to hurt anyone else. What was he going night on the pier she and Poul had re- The fire would soon catch the furniture, to do now? examined their lives. Maria was starting walls and ceiling. And then it would all to repeat herself. She didn’t spare her be ablaze. The cardboard box of Shiraz Cabernet beloved banker either, who had been the STEINTÓR RASMUSSEN: Enough. It was crucial to get away kind of clashed with the old furniture nice perfectionist his entire life, always before the smoke alerted people down and decorated walls in the sitting room, having to stay on top of everything. in the village. He had to take flight. but it was more convenient to have the Yes, Poul makes sure that he never steps In 2015 Steintór Rasmussen There was no time to spare. The path box on the table, then they could just out of line. He never gets drunk or says published his biography was plotted. He would not be a suspect. hold their empty glasses under the little anything stupid. Cheers. We only get HEVNDIN ÚR “Lívið er mítt listarverk” which There was nothing to fear. It would not plastic tap when they pleased and let one life. Right? They had promised each gives an account of his great be discovered. the red fountain flow. The tone had other that. They would be on this green contribution to Faroese music Dusk was falling now, and most turned more uninhibited and direct Earth for such a short while that there HAVSINS DÝPI life and cultural heritage in people would be in bed. It was unlikely over the last hour. The conversation was no reason to get hung up on the Steintór Rasmussen (b. 1960) is a teacher by profession. He is a general. “Deyðin fer í bindiklubb” that any tourist would arrive at this was at times more emotional and the small things. They were planning to take well-known cultural entrepreneur and musician and has written from 2016 is his first crime novel time of night. And there was hardly any words less thoughtful. But after all these the children to Barcelona in August. The numerous songs and lyrics which have become part of the and the first in a series of four risk of late night revellers this far up the years they had learned to laugh and cry family’s well-being was going to be a novels. “Hevndin úr havsins dýpi” national music dna in the Faroe Islands. In 2006 he was awarded hill. He closed the door behind him and together. Also to argue and pretend to priority. Would she go back to the school? was published in June 2017 scanned the shadows. It was time to take take offence, for a moment. Tummas No, she didn’t plan to. She needed to the Tórshavn City Council Children’s Culture Award for the CD and the third novel in the series flight. Then he spotted a nimble woman Pól had driven Jórun over the line and unwind and think of herself. Not only collection “Kular Røtur”. Steintór has written a number of crime “Listadrápið” will be published in hurrying up the hillside. What the hell Bjørg into the night. Naturally everyone exist for the sake of work or society. mysteries and stories for children and young adults. November 2017. was she up to? Had she maybe seen was entitled to get angry or go out to Those days were over. something that could be used against Translated by Marita Thomsen

14 15 SELECTED WORKS: SHORT STORIES EXTRACT FROM THE BOOK KATRIN OTTARSDÓTTIR AFTERFORE FUNERAL AFTANÁÐRENN “How can I love my child when “You know you don’t tolerate my own mother can’t love me?” Just lie here and wait for children when you feel like this! The daughter looks over at her It’s probably best if you get some Film director Katrin Ottarsdóttir’s debut poetry collection mother, who is glaring at her. me. I promise I will hurry sleep now. Mother dear!” “Eru koparrør í himmiríki” (Are there Copper Pipes in “Come now mother, sit down The mother sits up with a jerk. Heaven) (2012), was a groundbreaking event in Faroese while I make the bed.” “Don’t you “dear” me, and poetry – and Faroese literature as a whole – and the book She gently helps her mother take a “You just want me out of the way. I don’t you dare tell me what I can and was awarded the Faroese Literature Prize 2013. seat on the bed. The mother groans have nothing to live for now that your cannot tolerate. What would you know loudly. father is five feet under.” about fatigue?” “We have only just laid your father The daughter looks as though she is “Mother! Not now. Please!” five feet under and you are already about to say something, but stops herself. The mother imitates her with a scowl. In her poems Ottarsdóttir pries are psychologically intense often bossing me around.” The mother looks at her defiantly. “Pleeeease”! Go now! I want to be back the screen of privacy to reveal with an unexpected twist at the “Six…” “Well? Say something! Aren’t you alone.” the dark and dysfunctional private end. The daughter sends her a cautious going to say that it should be six? No The mother climbs out of bed, life of a home where a mentally smile. The mother looks at her in matter, I could not care less; I much rushes to the door and signals to her unstable, drug abusing mother Katrin Ottarsdóttir graduated disbelief. prefer the alliteration of five feet.” daughter to leave. The daughter halts terrorizes her weak husband and 1982 as a film director from the “Six feet under is what people usually She spells it out for her daughter: at the threshold, looks pleadingly at her neglects her daughter. Seldom, Danish National Film School and say.” “A L L I T E R A T I O N! Do you mother. The mother ignores her and calls maybe never before had there been is a pioneer in Faroese filmmaking. The mother mutters impatiently. understand? A L L I T E R A T I O N!” down the hallway: published such a blunt, strong and Her debut feature film, “Atlantic “That may well be, but it hardly The daughter turns away from her “Janus, come to granny, come. Come and yet sensitive portrayal of a Rhapsody” (1989), was the first matters to your father now, does it? I mother. Closes her eyes and takes a deep to comfort granny. Mummy isn’t very OTTARSDÓTTIR KATRIN childhood in a dysfunctional family. Faroese professionally produced know that much.” breath, while the skin tightens across nice to granny today. Come darling, In 2015 Ottarsdóttirs released her feature film. She has written and The mother gets up again with a her jawbones. The mother glares at her I have lots of those sweeties you like so Í 2012 kom Katrin inn á føroyska bók- Søgurnar í hesum savninum eru á sín løgna og sýraða mentapallin við yrkingasavninum Eru hátt hugfangandi. koparrør í himmiríki, sum vakti ans við Innihaldsliga víkja tær frá øllum, sum annars er skriv- second poetry collection “Messa directed 4 feature aðfilms á føroyskum. e.g. the sínum opinskáraðu lýsingum av persón- stubborn sigh. The daughter fluffs the daughters’ back with disdain. She can much. The ones with the pretty shiny ligum viðurskiftum, og varð heiðrað við Mestsum alt tykist sinniskloyvt, øll sambond millum fyri einum filmi” and most recently award-winningMentanarvirðisløn M.A. Jacobsens fyri roadpersónarnar movie eru skeiklað og tvíbýtt, “Bye hugkloyvd og perv­ fagrar bókmentir í 2013. Síðan hevur erterað og løgin. Júst tað ger søgurnar áhugaverdar. pillow, thoroughly. feel her mother’s piercing eyes. wrappers.” hon givið út yrkingasavnið Messa fyri einum filmi í 2015 og nú hetta stutt- Tær løgnu speglingarnar, tað løgna framrákið og tær a collection of short stories Byesøgusavnið Blue Aftanáðrenn. Bird” (1999)undarligu loysnirnarand fanga hugin. most “I was only going to help you to bed, “When I die… you will be Janus scampers down the corridor; he Syndarligar lagnur, útskot, horur og onnur ólukkudýr KATRIN OTTARSDÓTTIR saman við øðrum sálarliga illa sperdum karakterum er fødd í Havn í 1957. “Aftanáðrenn” (2016) 13 somewhat recently “Ludo” (2014)erta nýfiknið. which mother. You did say that you wanted to millionaires…” is five years old. He leaps into the bed Umhvørvið við stórbýum, helst útryðjum, døkkum, Hon tók prógv sum filmsleikstjóri á Den skitnum skotum, serligum ljósi og endurtøku av tok­ Danske Filmskole í Keypmannahavn í surreal short stories about is based on one of um,the sum bróta segpoems larmandi inn og út úr myndini, er 1982 og hevur skrivað og leikstjórnað lie down in your room for a bit.” “You’re not going to die, mother. You and starts to jump giddily. The daughter ikki lýst í okkara bókmentum fyrr. fýra spælifilmar – Ludo, Bye Bye Blue KATRIN Bird, Maðurin ið slapp at fara og A tlantic OTTARSDÓTTIR vulnerable characters struggling in her debut poetry collection. Rhapsody – umframt stuttfilmar, eina Scolding, the mother grabs hold of the will outlive us all!” moves to stop him, but the mother’s gaze filmsinstallatión, videoløg og tríggj- ar heimildarfilmar um myndahøggaran with inner demons and obsessions Ottarsdóttir’s documentaries Hans Paula Olsen og rithøv und arna r pillow. The mother fails to stifle a grudging nails her to the spot. Tórodd Poulsen og Jóanes Nielsen. STUTTSØGUR which often has fatal consequenses include two portraitswww.sprotin.fo of her fellow “I don’t want dust all over the house. chuckle, and leans back into the bed. for their relationship with family, Faroese writers Jóanes Nielsen and You know that!” “Where is Janus? Why won’t you let lovers and other people. The stories Tóroddur Poulsen. Translated by Marita Thomsen aftanaðren_140x220_cover.indd Alle sider 01/09/2016 10.23 The mother’s voice quivers again. me see my only grandchild?”

16 17 SELECTED WORKS: POETRY EXTRACT FROM THE BOOK SISSAL KAMPMANN: SUNNUDAGSLAND SUNDAY LAND

Pages 27–28 I keep stirring is slippery and clammy. In this reality, I fry the hearts of lambs. but turn down the heat. Here in my new home, No one likes scorched hearts. With each step, the sound in my new skin, of the tiny, creeping, I slice them into small pieces. sticky bodies I remove the sinews and clotted blood. Pages 37–38 smooshing out from under your shoes I leave the fat intact We’re eating imported as you tramped back and forth and watch them curl up potatoes this winter. from place to place, in the sizzling oil. house to house. I see their final throes, Blight ate its way through Strangely enough, as life ebbs out of them, the garden all summer images of southerly vineyards blend with onion, salt, pepper and seems to have eaten its way bathed in a golden dusting of sunlight, and a faint ray further and further where laughing, NORDIC of sunlight into our home barefoot, bronzed women nearly obscured by a cloud as autumn’s worn on. dressed in white COUNCIL over the dam. The brown slugs are hibernating. stomp on sweet grapes, LITERATURE Slumbering while the sun linger at the threshold The cat eats from her bowl. visits warmer lands. of my retina Photo: Rebekka Rafael Photography PRIZE NOMINEE! Noisily. I remember the white fence like an uncracked She has blue eyes. covered with black mirror. The man lies napping. patterns, Sissal Kampmann, born in 1974, holds her MA in Nordic Her most recent collection Quietly. the narrow alleys between houses Language and Literature from the University of Copenhagen. “Sunnudagsland” (Sunday land) from He has blue eyes. plastered with Translated by Randi Ward 2016 has a more poltical tone of voice Since her debut in 2011 with the poetry collection “Ravens in a yellowish, thick mucous, and gives her account on how it is The mountains are peeking the buckets of poison, silent flight” she has released another four poetry collections to return to her home in the Faroe into the kitchen. leaves nibbled full of holes, which all circle around the theme “home”; home as a physical, Islands after many years abroad, to hollowed potatoes, emotional and spiritual place, home as a residence in this world a place which pretends to be like an dead flowers, and as a means of finding peace in a world of conflict. eternal Sunday but where things are and the rhubarb. not as sunlit or peaceful as they seem The path from light to darkness at first glance.

18 19 SELECTED WORKS: POETRY EXTRACT FROM THE BOOK HEÐIN M KLEIN: THAT WORD 1 and buries the red rag silhouetted against rising mist Give me the innermost the one that the headland and rock tower and youngest word quells cancer the ash and mast TAÐ ORÐIÐ both the cherished bridles the bull and include geysers and eruptions and the un-conceited quashes the blood clot do not refuse me Heðin M. Klein, born in 1950, the (nearly) unsaid brushes aside every storm pillars of fire and cloud is a teacher by profession but that cloaked itself to light my way has been active as an author, or maybe not And the soothing word by day politician and has worked the outermost the unruffled and within publishing for many the ionic hair of the dog by night the weightless that reins in urges years. In 1969 he published and paves a path And the tortuous his first and highly acclaimed And the unwieldy word the word of goodwill contortions poetry collection “Væmingar the unwanted one the one that the crooked and hunched og vaggandi gálv”. give me the gadfly whispering between crags give me the trees in the faroes give me the word and sighing through grass the gnarled bough that grows in march strokes the cheek where whirls blow and blooms midwinter supples the skin creepers astray His most recent collection “Tað orðið” give me the stems the leak give me the bowels large and small is his seventh and gives an account inversion the healing word give me the kinks in the chain dance of the author’s lifelong search for the tangle under the tongue that warms the mouth that break the ring and break it again and pursuit of the right word for the croaking in the throat give me that give me the entanglement right moment to suit the connotation the cross word give me that word of both longline and brainwave or sentiment that the author wants give me that the ripple and eddy to convey. This long lasting search is give me that word 3 give me alternating current somehow also symbolised in the fact Give me the steep give me the drag on the net that the collection consists of one 2 and straight word pulling in opposite directions continuous poem – in fact the longest Give me the impetuous give me the icicle in the ravine give me waves chasing the wind poem ever written in Faroese. and tenacious word and the summit the centrifuge in the surf the reiteration that pays the spires and steeple give me that no heed pining give me that word Photo: Birgir Kruse give me the word for the sky that breaks the sting give me the pinnacle and sea stack Translated by Marita Thomsen

20 21 SELECTED WORKS: POETRY EXTRACT FROM THE BOOK KIM SIMONSEN: DECEMBER Kim Simonsen, born in 1970, is a poet, essayist and an editor. He holds a PhD in literature and he works as MORNING a researcher at the University of Amsterdam. He has Translated by Matthew Landrum published five books. 42. Hoar-frost settles in at the roots of trees, It all seems strange now. He was awarded the Faroese photography and new nature The seaweed can’t say where it washed creeps along the trunk, I’m in love with what used to be. M.A. Jacobsen Literary Award poetry, connecting landscape and ashore this morning; like a human The cows are freezing like statues in the for Poetry for his collection “Hvat time. In Simonsen’s literary style, soon my grandmother won’t know who getting up again after the fall. fog. hjálpir einum menniskja at vakna observation does not necessarily I am. Frost will glaze all the branches, Water pipes burst like clogged arteries. hesumegin hetta áratúsundi” lead to interpretation, but somehow Everyone is singing their song, the last leaves in 2014. The poetry collection his poetry succeeds in questioning some sing their last verse. fall to earth 58. ventures into different sciences existential themes of self, time and An oak nods above a pond, as the wind pulls at the gutters. The road is hidden here, and takes in new-materiality identity. Some of his poems have marshy banks with rotting trees. only glimpsed through black branches and natural history, as well as been translated into e.g. English, I hold my grandmother’s hand — her 45. that reflect the light. eco critical thinking found in art Dutch, Swedish, Portuguese and last days have started. Sunlight pierces down in between Tree remember everything in their rings and poetry today. His latest book other languages and published The moon shines over the pond, the frozen fronds of seaweed. — “Desembermorgun” (2015) is a in magazines and anthologies in the heather on the hill I’m starting to get used to the waves, every change from summer to fall, collaboration with visual artist several countries. He has held has a strange color in the moonlight. the sand, the season. even this decembermorning Jóhan Martin Christiansen. masterclasses and readings at e.g. The tears did not stop before I parked Bits of a crumbled crow’s nest when the direction of the wind, the The poetry collection is a one Oxford, Hong Kong and at Stanford the car. dance in the wind on the road, season, the shift in light must now month long exploration and an University. Now the moon’s hidden by clouds — twigs and wool twirling triumph against the darkness. investigation of a place in the North thanks. back and forth, Atlantic, where time, landscapes Green moss streams knocking against the garden wall and 59. and materiality are a part of a down the hill, clumps against frost- the window. During the day the house is empty. meditation on conceptual art, covered crags. I’m waiting for pinpricks of silence, Hard wind drives in off the bay. a wait that adds up to nothing more Breakers wash seaweed ashore. 43. than a cessation You are not here. The seabed and the sand of everything — the frost, the trees, the A lone cat enters the garden. where living seaweed animals, the leaves, It will be dark soon. moves in slow motion forks, plates, mourning clothes in the The day ends faster than it began. back and forth as if swaying with the dresser, The gusts fling sand and grass against DESEMBER MORGUN wind, dried flowers, heather, the window. biding time until the first mornings of the stone we once picked up on the The cat has gone. black ice. beach. 22 23 SELECTED WORKS: CHILDREN EXTRACT FROM THE BOOK BÁRÐUR OSKARSSON: The Tree

Translated by Marita Thomsen

One day on his way home Hilbert and Bob are friends. “I have always known how to fly. I TRÆIÐ from the shop Bob stopped and run and then I just jump into the

Bárður Oskarsson thought… “I wonder what is air… And then I fly,” said Hilbert. BÁRÐUR OSKARSSON But Hilbert is a bit of an odd on the other side of that tree “You haven’t seen me, because I fly over there?” one, and Bob doesn’t quite pretty fast. And also I fly very high in the sky. Hilbert og Bob eru vinir. TRÆIÐ know whether to believe Men Hilbert er ein snedigur He had been all the way over Bob picked up his carrot. He was a snigil, og Bob veit ikki ordiliga, to the tree once, but he couldn’t little doubtful and asked, “but can’t um hann skal trúgva øllum, everything Hilbert says… sum Hilbert sigur ... TRÆIÐ see what was on the other side. you show me then?” And then a dog came along, and then Bob had to run away. quite imagine what could be further No, I have just flown, and I’m a little away than the tree. tired now, because I have to lie flat in As Bob was thinking, Hilbert came “Oh yes, I have travelled around the the air for so long,” Hilbert excused walking towards him. whole world,” said Hilbert. himself.

BFL “But just a little bit,” said Bob “Just

978-99972-0-167-6 BFL 2017 When Hilbert reached Bob he asked “AROUND THE WHOLE WORLD?” right up in the air and down again?” him why he was just standing there. Bob thought he had heard wrong. It “No, no, but maybe some other time… Bob said, “I have never been to the other sounded just a little incredible and he not now,” Hilbert replied and looked up Bárður Oskarsson, born in 1972, is a Faroese author and illustrator. He started out as an side of that tree, and I would like to see hesitated, because Hilbert had never towards the sky first for a moment and illustrator for the Faroese Children’s Magazine and the first book he illustrated was one of what is there.” been gone for long. And it takes a then over at the tree for a moment and long time to travel around the whole then back up to the sky again. his grandfather’s in 1992: “Undir tussafjøllum”. Since then he has illustrated books by several “Oh, there are just more trees, dogs and world… Faroese authors. other animals. Nothing special really,” “But how can you have been around the “Ok…” said Bob. Hilbert replied, and was about to talk world, when you are always here?” asked And then they stood there a little while In 2004 he published his first book, Bárður Oskarsson’s illustrations Sweden. Bárður received the Faroese about something else. Bob. longer without saying anything. both written and illustrated by are unique; they resemble cartoon Children’s Literature Award in 2007. “Well, it is a little strange, but I can fly, himself: “Ein hundur, ein ketta og ein illustrations and clearly convey His book “Stríði um tað góða grasið” “WHAT? YOU HAVE BEEN and then it doesn’t take that long.” “Right,” said Hilbert, “I have to go to mús” (A Dog, a Cat and a Mouse). The moods and atmospheres in a tiny (The Battle for the Good Grass) was THERE?” Bob asked amazed. the shop.” book enjoyed great success and was wink or a minute movement. designated as a White Raven in 2013 “Oh yes, several times, and much further “FLY!?” shouted Bob and nearly hopped. And then he left. designated as a White Raven in 2006 In 2006 he received The Children and by The International Youth Library in than that, because there is nothing It sounded totally wild that Hilbert Walking. by the International Youth Library Youth Literature Award from The West Munich, Germany. interesting there.” could fly. (IYL) in Munich, Germany, for being Nordic Council and is nominated “Further away than the tree?” asked “I have never seen you fly,” said Bob Bob spent quite a long time looking at especially noteworthy. for the Panprize 2016 ny IBBY - Bob and dropped his carrot. He couldn’t cautiously, “how do you do it? the tree over there before he went home. “Like this! Can you see?” 24 25 SELECTED WORKS: YOUNG ADULT EXTRACT FROM THE BOOK

Winner of the West Nordic Council’s Children and SHE ROWED Young People’s Literature AFTER THE Prize 2016 NOMINATED FOR THE NORDIC RAINBOW COUNCIL CHILDREN Summary L’istesso tempo – Shackles: Argantael because he is 23 and she is 16. Maybe she This novel reads almost like a collection of is 9 years old and overhears her father should really be in love with Sebastian, AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S short stories. Every second chapter works telling his brother about his failed they would be much more compatible and as a stand-alone narrative connected marriage. Argantael’s mother is patholog- he is her best friend. LITERATURE PRIZE through Argantael, who has just decided ically jealous, probably has a narcissistic Allegretto – Switch Off!: A couple of to drown herself. The novel is a literary personality disorder and repeatedly tries months ago Argantael met Dagan at a Photo: Amy Hansen take on composer Edward Elgar’s Op. 36 to kill herself. The parents are tied by party her older cousin threw, everyone RAKEL HELMSDAL: known as the Enigma Variations and fol- each other. The father thinks that if he there was older. They drank and danced, lows the structure of the compositions. The leaves his wife, she will finally succeed she didn’t. Then this man asked her to title of each variation heads a new chap- and the mother resents owing him her dance. She refused, it would only dredge ter, which is each dedicated to a different life. Neither of them manages to love their up memories of dance school – her mother HON, SUM RÓÐI EFTIR person, just like Elgar´s variations. daughter. He has given up, doesn’t think had insisted, Argantael never got the hang Andante – Torn: The book opens with he is any good with children and buries of it. ÆLABOGANUM Argantael down by a little dock tearing himself in a high-flying banking career. But somehow Dagan manages to get up the diary that has been her compan- She is utterly incapable of loving others, her to switch off and give in to the music Rakel Helmsdal, born in 1966, is an author, marionetteer and artist ion since she was a little girl. She lets the though she does keep up the practical and the movements. The moment and pages whirl into the night and the choppy appearances. the man enthralled her. Completely taken She has written novels, plays and short stories for all ages “Veiða Vind”, a musical fairy tale (English translation fjord. Allegro – Two Steps to the Left: Ar- aback by her own feelings, she ran all the and is the director of Karavella Marionette-Teatur where available), is her latest children’s book. Her latest “... She is tearing randomly from the gantael is still by the dock. She has been way home. she produces her own plays. Along with colleagues in publication, “Hon, sum róði eftir ælaboganum” is written for book, aged 7 miserable, aged 15 misera- considering throwing rocks at her boy- A few days later she agrees to a date Sweden and Iceland, she has co-authored a popular series Young Adults and for which Rakel Helmsdal entered the ble, aged 9 miserable. Had she ever been friend’s boat; after all he cares more for and goes back to his place. of Skrímslabøkur (Monster books). The monster books have Ibby Honor List in 2016 and won the West Nordic Children’s happy or had she only written when she it than for her. She loves Dagan, though since also been translated into 14 other languages. Literature Prize. wasn’t?” she doesn’t quite understand him, maybe Translated by Marita Thomsen

26 27 SELECTED WORKS: NON-FICTION EXTRACT FROM THE BOOK

BÁRÐUR JAKUPSSON:

He draws, cuts, glues, and WILLIAM paints with both pastels and oils. His untamed imagination invites the HEINESEN viewer on a journey through – THE ARTIST the mythic darkness of trolls Andreas , 15 January imagination. Many social critics and and nixes to landscapes 1900 – 12 March 1991 excellent cartoonists expressed their views adorned with birds, It is foremost as a poet and author in this satirical magazine, which was plants and all kinds of that William Heinesen is well-known published in Munich between 1845 creatures, all in exuberant throughout the world, less well known and 1944. For one reason or other, it is and vivacious movement. is the fact that he was an unusually especially one contributor whose wit and versatile artist. He was musically imagination would find a kindred spirit The motifs run from the WILLIAM inclined and had a vast knowledge of in the boy who was turning the pages small houses clustered European classical music. He played the on his grandmother’s floor far away in together in his childhood piano and composed pieces, some for solo the middle of the North Atlantic. It was to the rocky mosaic of the HEINESEN instruments and others for choirs and Wilhelm Busch (1832-1908), a master headlands; they are drawn The book is written by artist orchestras. among European cartoonists. He poked from the world of legends – LISTAMAÐURIN and former National Gallery My grandmother was nigh as fun at religious and bourgeois hypocrisy director Bárður Jákupsson. The important to me as the genie was to and narrow-mindedness, and so, not and fairy tales, from Nordic text is in Faroese and English. Aladdin. I was born two years after she surprisingly, was often both accused and mythology, from Arcadia was widowed. Her living room soon sentenced for his blunt remarks. and the Garden of Eden. The became my sanctuary, mostly thanks to I cannot remember finding anything inspiration is grounded in the wealth of picture books she gave me more enjoyable and exciting than these a sense for nature, in irony to peruse. hours, when I—tired after having and a subtle jocularity, So says William Heinesen in played a whole day in the fields and by in a solid, playful and “My Romantic Grandmother,” an the shore—lay on the floor and flicked autobiographical short story. The through “the German Book.” unbound joie de vivre and illustrations to Grimm’s’ fairy tales were Childhood is the workshop of an embracing sense for the shocking and frightening, but above possibilities. And so is the creative artist. ornamental and decorative. them all, it was “the German Book,” a Life always contains such wide spaces. wide-ranging collection of the magazine It exists in continuous inspiration. “Fliegende Blätter” that caught his 28 29 RECENTLY SOLD

read. “Feðgar á ferð” was first published been called “original, well composed, APOLLONIA & JANUS ER EIN STJØRNA in 1940. The book was translated from easy read, with unexpected twists in the The Danish publisher, Hovedland,­ has Danish into German in 1961 but the end” and was given 4 out of 5 stars by bought the rights to publish two picture Guggolz Verlag has chosen to make Bogrummet.dk books for children by author and illu­ RECENTLY SOLD a new translation from the original strator Edward Fuglø. One of the books, Faroese. Richard Kölbl is the translator. TAPET MILLUM ØLDIR Apollonia, was published in 2007 and The poetry collection “Tapet millum øldir” was nominated for the West Nordic something else going on. And soon, he BOMMHJARTA ÓENDALIGA VERA by Jóanes Nielsen was first published children and young People’s Literature himself has been involved, and must “Bommhjarta” (Candy Heart) is a novel Marjun Syderbø Kjelnæs’ new novel in the fAroe Islands in 2012 by MS and Prize the same year. Apollonia is about risk his life to find the truth. The novel by Jóanes Nielsen and is a sequel to “Óendaliga vera” has been sold to is Nielsen’s ninth poetry collection since a seamstress at the old theatre who has was published in Denmark in 1991, and his novel “Brahmadellarnir” (2010) for Denmark. The novel is about old Vera his debut in 1978. In 2013 the poetry always wanted to be an actress. One day rights have now been sold to Norway and which Nielsen was awarded the Faroese who is suffering from aphasia and young collection was published in Norway by she puts on Ophelia’s dress and sudd­ Canada. Literature Prize (2011) and nominated Leon who is struggling with his past. Vera Bokbyen and early 2016 it was published enly something very strange happens.

for the Nordic Council Literature Prize TEMA VIÐ SLANKUM is full of words but cannot speak due to in Denmark by Torgard and has received Janus er ein stjørna was published (2013). “Bommhjarta” is a continuation her illness but Leon finds great comfort very good reviews in Danish media. in 2009. The book is about Janus who The novel “Tema við slankum” by Sólrún of the story about Tóvó who has been in her. The book was published in June ventures into a journey among the stars Michelsen has recently been published released from prison for crimes he 2017 by BFL. ÁH ÓH and there he meets Ursus the polar in Norway by Orkana Forlag under the committed in the previous novel. The “Áh Óh” is a picture book for toddlers by bear who needs a fearless helper on a title “Sprinkeljenta”. Published in 2007 story moves back and fort in time but SUNNUDAGSLAND Jenny Kjærbo and was published in 2015 dangerous quest. spins around Tóvó and his hometown it was Sólrún’s first novel for adults, The poetry collection “Sunnudags­land” by BFL. The book was also published in Sumba in the Faroe Islands. Rights have however, before then she had written by Faroese author Sissal Kampmann Denmark by Forlaget Bolden in 2015, BÁRÐUR OSKARSSON several novels and short stories for been sold to Denmark and publisher is the Faroese nominee for the Nordic and now two years later the rights have The Faroese publisher of the children’s children and young adults. “Tema við Torgard. Council Literature Prize 2017 and is set been sold to Edebé, a publisher in Chile. books by Bárður Oskarsson, BFL, has slankum” earned Sólrún Faroese M.A. in the village of Vestmanna, where Sissal The book is about a young puffin who made an agreement with London based Jacobsen’s Literature Award in 2008, PRÆDIKARIN Kampmann was born (in 1974) and is asked to look after an egg. But the publisher Darf Publishers to translate and in 2015 the novel was published in “Prædikarin” is the second novel in the raised. “Sunnu­dags­land” has now been puffin gets annoyed because it doesn’t and publish all seven children’s books German by Unionsverlag under the title crime series by Jógvan Isaksen about translated into Danish and published understand why this particular egg by Bárður Oskarsson in the UK. To “Tanz auf den Klippen”. “Sprinkeljenta” William Hammer who is the director in Denmark by Torgard with the title needs such special care and attention. FarLit this is an exciting happening has been translated into Norwegian by BRAHMADELLARNIR of the police unit “Skansadeildin” in “Søndags­land”. Jenny Kjærbo has written and illustrated corresponding well with the aim of Anne-Kari Skarðhamar. Torshavn. The crime novel was published the book and is currently working on the bringing Faroese literature to a wider In December 2012, Verlagsgruppe in 2013 and Isaksen has since published RÓT TRIPP – ORÐ EN ROUTE sequel about the puffins. audience. Random House made a contract with a third novel in the series. Rights have HINUMEGIN ER MARS The poetry collection by Marjun Syderbø now been sold to publish the novel in “Hinumegin er mars” by Sólrún Michelsen­ Kjelnæs was published by Sprotin in TAÐ ORÐIÐ FROSKARNIR Í NÓLSOY author Jóanes Nielsen to publish his is a gripping novel about a woman caring Denmark. 2012 and has since been translated into In 1969 author Heðin M. Klein made “Froskarnir í Nólsoy” is a children’s book novel Brahmadellarnir in German for her elderly mother with dementia. English. Norwegian publisher Bokbyen his debut with the acclaimed poetry written by Joan Sørinardóttir and was The novel was nominated for the Nordic translation. This is an historical event BLÍÐ ER SUMMARNÁTT Á FØROYALANDI published the book in Norway in 2015. collection “Væmingar og vaggandi published in October 2016. The story is Council Literature Prize in 2015. Rights for Faroese literature, because no “Blíð er summarnátt á Føroyalandi” from gjálv”. “Tað orðið” is his seventh poetry about granny and granddad’s holiday in to publish the book in Norway were sold 1990 is a significant book in the Faroe AFTANÁÐRENN collection and gives an account of the Denmark and how they by accident bring other Faroese author’s work has until to Fonna Forlag and Danish publisher Islands as it is the first crime novel ever The short stories in the collection author’s lifelong pursuit of the right back tadpoles in their wellies. This is in now been published on such a large Torgard has bought the rights to publish published on the islands and it’s the “Aftanáðrenn” by Katrin Ottarsdóttir word for the right moment to suit the fact a true story of how frogs first came the novel in Denmark. publishing house. The novel „Die first in a series of ten crime novels about are oddly fascinating, and are different connotation or sentiment that the author to the Faroe Islands. The book has been Erinnerungen“ was published in March Hannis Martinsson that author Jógvan from anything else written in Faroese. wants to convey. This long lasting search published in Denmark by ABC forlag. Isaksen has written since 1991. The FEÐGAR Á FERÐ 2016. The whole atmosphere is scizofrenic, is somehow also symbolised in the story features the freelance journalist, The Berlin-based German publisher and all relations between the characters fact that the collection consists of one Hannis Martinsson, who’s been abroad Guggolz Verlag has published the are disorted, divided and perverted continuous poem – in fact the longest for many years, and is now going back Faroese classic “Feðgar á ferð” by Heðin and this is what makes the stories so poem ever written in Faroese. Danish to the Faroe Islands, because his friend, Brú under the title “Vater und Sohn intriguing. The collection was published publisher Torgard has bought the rights Sonja Pætursdóttir, has been found dead Unterwegs”. Heðin Brú is one of the in the Faroe Islands in 2016 by Sprotin to publish the collection in Denmark. on a mountain. The police regard it as most significant authors in the history and has been published in Denmark by an accident, but Hannis feels there’s of Faroese literature and is still much Torgard in June 2017. The collection has

30 31 BOOK PUBLICATIONS:

Skriftstøð (2016) ART BOOKS Glopramjólk (2015) SHORT STORIES CHILDREN Rustur sum viður William Heinesen, og vindur (2014) Aftanáðrenn (2016) Træið (2017) listamaðurin (2016) Einglasuð (2013) Katrin Ottarsdóttir Wilbert (2016) Bárður Jákupsson Tóroddur Poulsen Sprotin Rights sold to: Denmark, Canada Sprotin Mentunargrunnur and North America Studentafelagsins Nýtt flog (2016) Stríðið um góða grasið (2012) Marius Olsen, prent Rakel Helmsdal, editor Rights sold to: Denmark 1980-2016 Desembermorgun (2015) Sprotin Flata kaninin (2011) Rights sold to: Denmark, Norway, Gunnar Hoydal, Hvat hjálpir einum menniskja Sweden, Iceland, Germany, Jan Anderson et al at vakna ein morgun So hon starir inn í Canada, Czech Rep., Bulgaria, Sprotin hesumegin hetta áratúsundið veggin (2015) Slovenia (2013) Arnbjørn Ó Dalsgarð Bárður Oskarsson PUBLICATIONS 2012-2017 Kim Simonsen Bókadeild Føroya BFL POETRY Mentunargrunnur Lærarafelags Studentafelagsins Stjørnan (2016) Glasbúrið (2015) Heine Hestoy Tann lítli drongurin og Tað orðið (2015) Sámal Soll BFL beinagrindin (2017) Bommhjarta (2016) Seyðabókin (2016) Heðin M. Klein Sprotin FICTION CRIME Beinir Bergsson Rights sold to: Denmark Robert Joensen Mentunargrunnur Kópakonan (2015) Sprotin Brahmadellarnir (2011) Sprotin Studentafelagsins Skuggamynd (2015) Simmsalabimm (2014) Óendaliga vera (2016) Rights sold to: Denmark, Hevndin úr havsins dýpi Ingun Christensen Poetikus (2012) Norway, Germany Djúpini (2017) Rights sold to: Denmark Seyður og seyðahald (2016) (2017) Opus 6 – ein symfoni fyri Bókadeild Føroya Edward Fuglø Vónbjørt Vang Marjun Syderbø Kjelnæs Jóanes Nielsen Olav Schneider Deyðin fer í bindiklubb (2016) æðrar (2014) Lærarafelags Bókadeild Føroya Eksil BFL Mentunargrunnur BFL Steintór Rasmussen Petur Pólson Lærarafelags Studentafelagsins Sprotin Sprotin Svanirnir syngja (2015) Opna (2016) Vágamentan (2016) Oddvør Johansen Karlo og Luddi (2014) Rót Tripp (2012) Bókin um tað góða (2015) Nina Reinert Zapatista (2014) Úrtíð (2016) Mentanargrunnur Translated into English, Rights sold to: Norway available as e-book Eg síggi teg betur í myrkri Sprotin Offurmorðið (2013) Gandakendu Føroyar (2016) (English translation available) Stundentafelagsins Niclas Heri Jákupsson – Forspæl til ein gleðileik Durita Holm Av heilum hjarta (2015) Marjun Syderbø Kjelnæs Bókadeild Føroya (2014) Bót og biti (2015) Freyja Oktoberbløð í fallandi Sprotin Rottan (2011) Lærarafelags Carl Jóhan Jensen Jóan Pauli Joensen sól (2014) English translation available Sprotin Fróðskapur Brot (2013) Oddfríður Marni Rasmussen Ein farri av fráferð (2016) Sólrún Michelsen Páll Fangi (2013) Páll Nolsøe Sólrún Michelsen Sprotin Mentunargrunnur Føroya ljóð / Sounds of the Sprotin Oddvør Johansen Sprotin Studentafelagsins Bókadeild Føroya NON-FICTION: Faroes (2014) Messa fyri ein film (2015) Lærarafelags Marianna Clausen Drotningaringurin (2016) Sunnudagsland (2016) Eru koparrør í Stiðin Hitt blinda liðið (2015) Seyður í søgn og veðri (2017) Hyasinttíð (2014) himmiríki (2012) YOUNG ADULT Vølundarhús (2014) Katrin Óttarsdóttir Torkils døtur (2013) Helgi í Brekkunum Sissal Kampmann Sólrún Michelsen Hinumegin er mars (2013) Siglandi arvurin Prædikarin (2013) Mentunargrunnur Mentunargrunnur Sprotin Hon, sum róði eftir Bókadeild Føroya Rights sold to: Denmark and – søgan um føroyskt Tann fimti maðurin (2012) Studentafelagsins Studentafelagsins Norway træskipasmíð (2013) Rights sold to: Denmark ælaboganum (2014) Lærarafelags Føroyska Rokksøgan (2016) Sólrún Michelsen Óli Olsen Jógvan Isaksen Rakel Helmsdal Hans Egholm, Kartin L. Mentunargrunnur Kjølur Mentunargrunnur Bókadeild Føroya Hansen et. al Studentafelagsins Studentafelagsins Lærarafelags BFL 32 33 BOOK PUBLICATIONS:

CLASSICS

JØRGEN-FRANTZ JACOBSEN HEÐIN BRÚ MARTIN JOENSEN (1900-1938) (1901-1987) (1902-1966) Jacobsen has a distinct place Heðin Brú was the penname of Martin Joensen was a Faroese in as Hans Jacob Jacobsen, a Faroese teacher and author who wrote two he is the only Faroese writer to novelist and translator. novels and a number of short stories, achieve international best-seller articles and some poetry. His literary status. This status derives from works deal with the everyday life, his sole novel, Barbara which and social and gender related cir- was published posthumously. cumstances of his contemporaries. The novel was translated into five other languages shortly after Fiskimenn (1946) ÁH ÓH (2015) the first edition in the Danish Translated into Norwegian Jenny Kjærbo language. It was also adapted Bókadeild Føroya as a motion picture directed by Lærarafelags Danish Nils Malmros in 1997. These facts, together with Jacob- Tá skrubban fekk heilaskjálvta (2017) sen’s essays, a study of the Faroe Heðin Brú is considered to be the Julia og bjarginga­ Islands published in the guise most important Faroese writer vesturin (2016) of a travel guide, and a volume of his generation and is known WILLIAM HEINESEN Drongurin í grønum of his letters, are sufficient to for his fresh and ironic style. His gummistivlum (2015) suggest that had he lived longer, most famous novel, Feðgar á ferð (1900-1991) Elsubeth M. Fossádal Bókadeild Føroya he would have been one of the (The Old Man and His Sons), was William Heinesen was born in Torshavn, the son of a Danish Lærarafelags outstanding literary figures in chosen as the Book of the twenti- mother and Faroese father, and was equally at home in both Scandinavia in the twentieth eth century by the Faroese, and it languages. Although William spent most of his life in the Faroe century. was his first novel to be translated Islands his mother tongue was Danish, and to him it was desti- from Faroese into English. It tells ny rather than choice to write in Danish. William Heinesen is Barbara (1939) the tale of the transformation of a generally considered to be one of the greatest, if not the great- –translated into more rural society into a modern nation est, Scandinavian novelist of the twentieth century. His books than 20 languages. of fisheries and the conflicts be- have been translated into 19 languages. tween generations that result. Det dyrebare liv (1963) Blæsende gry (1934) – collection of letters Feðgar á ferð (1940) Den sorte gryde (1949) to William Heinesen. Translated into Icelandic, Danish, De fortabte spillemænd (1950) Norwegian, German, Greenlandic, Moder syvstjerne (1952) English, Polish, Swedish. Det gode håb (1964) – awarded the Nordic Council LIterature Prize together with Olof Lagercrantz

34 35 AWARDS AND NOMINATIONS M.A. JACOBSEN’S AWARDS NORDIC COUNCIL LITERATURE PRIZES

The Faroese nomination for the Nordic Council The Faroese nomination for Literature Prize is the poetry collection the Nordic Council Children “Sunnudagsland” by poet Sissal Kampmann. and Young People’s Literature Prize is the novel “Hon sum róði eftir ælaboganum” by author and artist Rakel Helmsdal. Rakel is a prolific writer who has published a large number of books for children of all ages, as well as plays and short stories for adults. This is her first novel for young adults. The story of Argantael takes place in the same fictional town, Port Janua, as several of her other works.

FICTION CULTURE CHILDREN “Sunnudagsland” is Kampmann’s fifth poetry collection. Argantael (16) has decided to rip She made her debut in 2011 with the collection “Ravnar her life apart. She starts with her The M.A. Jacobsen Award for Fiction The M.A. Jacobsen Award for The Tórshavn Children’s Culture á ljóðleysum flogi – yrkingar úr uppgongdini” for which she diary – tearing out the pages and was granted author Heðin M. Klein Culture was granted teacher Award was granted author Joan was awarded the Klaus Rifbjerg Debutant Prize. Since throwing them into the sea. She then for his poetry collection “Tað orðið” and translator Eilif Samuelsen Sørinardóttir and editor Beinta then she has released four more collections that have rows her boyfriend’s boat so far out (That Word) which was published who has translated a number Johannesen. Joan Sørinardóttir has reaffirmed her position as a powerful new lyrical voice in to sea that she’s sure she won’t be in 2015 by Mentunargrunnur of the antique classics into recently published two children’s the Faroe Islands. able to get back to dry land again Studentaskúlafelagsins. The Faroese. To mention but a few, books, ”Hvannpoppkorn” and “Sunnudagsland” is set in the village of Vestmanna in once she lets go of the oars. All the collection is his seventh and gives he has translated works by ”Summardáafruktsalat”, both the Faroe Islands, where Sissal Kampmann was born while, she is recalling episodes from her life, and we gain an account of the author’s lifelong Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas and with emphasis on creative food (in 1974) and raised. After spending 24 years away, insight into a difficult childhood marred by emotional search for and pursuit of the right Machiavelli and thus made making with local produce. Beinta primarily in Copenhagen and Tórshavn, she returned poverty. The book addresses evergreen adolescent word for the right moment. This these important classics Johannesen has for many years to the village to stay a while. Her visit provides the issues: relationships with parents, friendships, dreams, long lasting search is somehow available in Faroese for been the editor of two important context for this collection, the title of which refers to unconditional love of various types and strong emotions. also symbolised in the fact that the students and the general publications for children and young killing time on boring Sundays at the fringe of the world. In Argantael’s world, we witness the consequences collection consists of one continuous reader alike. people ”Míni Jólabók” (an annual Yet “Sunnudagsland” also refers to the special state of of mental health issues and neglect, and share in her poem. Christmas anthology) and ”Strok” loneliness, boredom, and existential crisis that the poetic jealousy and grief. We follow her hesitant attempts to (magazine for children and young narrator seems to find herself in. find her place in life and to reconcile herself not only with people). her sexuality, but also with her identity in general.

36 37 LISBETH NEBELONG, JOHAN HARSTAD, CRAIG 25-26 NOVEMBER Denmark: Norway: ROBERTSON, Færø Blues Triology Buzz Aldrin, hvor UK: (2016) ble det av deg i alt The Last Refuge mylderet? (2006) (2014)

SIRI RANVA HJELM SILVIA SUSAN KAYSEN, JACOBSEN, HENRIKSDÓTTIR, USA: Denmark: Norway: Far Afield (2002) Ø (2016) Sig at du lyver Lindhardt & Ringhof (2012)

STIG TROELSEN, SILVIA CHRIS OULD, Denmark: HENRIKSDÓTTIR, UK: Bjørgs Saga (2016) Norway: The Blood Hovedland Djevlen kan ikke Strand (2016) lese (2014) Titan Bókadagar, the Faroese Book Festival is a key event in the Nordic House. The Book Festival offers a programmer for both adults and VERENA ARTHUR CHRIS OULD, children with readings, debates, meet the author STÖSSINGER, KRASILNIKOFF, UK: Germany: Denmark: The Killing Bay events and workshops. This year the Book Mynd: Faroephoto Die Gespensters­ Hvalens øje (2017) Festival will take place 25 - 26 November and sammlerin (2017) (2011) Titan has a special focus on authors nominated for Edition Bücherlese Gyldendal pocket the Nordic Literature Price 2017. FAROESE BOOK FESTIVAL 38 39 SUMMER INSTITUTE IN ARTIST FAROESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE RESIDENCIES

Many of the participants of the Summer Institute in Faroese Language and Culture run by the University of the Faroe Islands come back for more. Matthew Landrum from Michigan, USA, participated for the third time in 2014. He has learned Faroese so well that he now translates Faroese poetry and fiction into English. WILLIAMSHÚS

Williamshús is the private residence and primary workplace of Faroe Islands most famous writer William Heinesen (1900-1991). The house is now open to LISTAMANNAHÚSINI Á DALATRØÐ the public and remains unchanged since SKÚLIN Í TJØRNUVIK Heinesen’s passing in 1991. The muse- Faroese artist and sculptor Janus Kam- um offers an interesting insight into the ban (1913-2009) wrote in his will that In the small village of Tjørnuvík the old artworks on display and the unique inte- his home should be used as an artist resi- school which is not in use anymore has THE NEXT SUMMER INSTITUTE WILL TAKE PLACE 6–24 AUGUST 2018, AND ROOM rior of the house decorated by Heinesen dency for Faroese visual artists or foreign been made into an artist residency which IS FOR 35 STUDENTS. FURTHER INFORMATION ON WWW.SETUR.FO and his son, painter Zacharias Heinesen. visual artists if the visit is an exchange LISA, the Faroese Artist Association, Part of Williamshús also functions as an with a Faroese artist going abroad. He administers. The school is on two floors; Matthew says that in 2011, when he Collaborating with a native speaker and to launch into projects with the artist residency where artists can stay and also mentioned the possibility of a on first floor there are two work rooms first attended the Faroese Summer (the writer or another Faroese), I’ve aid and assist­ance of the faculty“. work for a week or up to three months. foreign author to stay and work in the and a bathroom, and on the second floor Institute, he couldn’t have imagined translated works by five Faroese Matthews’s translations­ from Faroese The small apartment is suitable for one residency for a limited period between there is a small kitchen and a bed room. the academic and culture avenues of authors. The islands have an aston- have app­ear­ed in e.g. The Adirondack person or a couple with one child. Art- three and twelve months. Artists can The residency is available for 1-3 months exploration that it would open up: ishing amount of talented writers and Review, Asymptote Journal and in the ists can apply by sending an enquiry to send an application to: and suited for 1-2 people, and applica- „The grammar and language lessons it’s been great to bring their work to a maga­zine PANK. Landrum has studied [email protected]. tions should be sent to: [email protected]. and expeditions and lectures in cul- wider audience online and in print. At- English and Creative Writing. He Listafelag Føroya, P.O.Box 1141, ture gave me the overview I needed­ tending the Insti­tute has been a great teach­es English at Aim High School in Further information: FO-110 Tórshavn, Further information: to start working with Faroese poetry. way to keep up my Faro­ese studies Whitmore Lake, Michigan. www.williamshus.wordpress.com or send an email to [email protected] www.lisa.fo

40 41 PURPOSE NORDIC The Nordic Council of Ministers’ culture and arts programme has taken over the administration of the scheme to support the translation of INTERNATIONAL literature and drama from one Nordic language TRANSLATION to another. Grants are available for prose, poetry and drama, non-fiction of general interest (including essays and biographies), comic books TRANSLATION AND GRANT and children’s books. Grants are also awarded to special issues of magazines with a Nordic focus. PRODUCTION GRANT The grant supports Nordic publishing houses in Special consideration is given to applications for grants for the translation of poetry and drama; translating literature from one Nordic country and works that have been awarded the Nordic to another. In order to receive funding, you need Council Prize for Literature will be accorded to apply for the grant in the country in which top priority for up to three years after winning The Faroese Cultural Fund, Mentanargrunnur Landsins, the work was originally published. For the Faroe the prize. Priority is also given to the minority grants subsidy for translation and production of works language areas in the Nordic countries. Islands, this means applying through FarLit. formerly published in Faroese or by a Faroese publisher. The application must come from a foreign publisher or translator. Application form and further information is available at Application www.farlit.fo. Any further dead-lines: questions can be directed to the Literary Coordinator at 1 April and [email protected] 1 October To process the application the National Cultural of the Faroese Cultural Fund. The application should Fond needs a copy of the contract with the be sent either by snail mail to the following address: Faroese right’s holder and a copy of the contract with the translator (unless the work has already Mentanargrunnur Landsins, been translated into the language in question). Lützenstrø 4, CONTACTS IN THE OTHER Greenland: Iceland: Sami: A translator needs to enclose a presentation of P.O.Box 3198 NORDIC COUNTRIES Greenlandic Society of Center Sami Artists’ Council the qualifications and previously translated and FO-110 Torshavn AND REGIONS: Authors (Miðstöð Íslenskra (Sámi Dáiddárráðði) published titles. A budget has to be enclosed too. The Faroe Islands (Kalaallit Atuakkiortut) Bókmennta) Sweden: or by email: [email protected] Denmark: : Norway: Swedish Arts Council THE APPLICATION FORM IS AVAILABLE AT WWW.FARLIT.FO Danish Arts Foundation FILI NORLA (Kulturrådet) If you need further information you are welcome to (Statens Kunstfond) (Suomalaisen The application deadline varies and your application, contact FarLit at [email protected] Kirjallisuuden Seura) once received, will be processed at the next meeting

42 Go to www.farlit.fo for more information on us, the authors and the works. You can also sign up to get news from FarLit or follow us on Facebook.

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