The Anglo-Swedish Society has kindly invited our members to their Zoom Talk with Ellen Strömberg on 18th September 2025 (18:00 – 19:15).
Ellen Strömberg, who writes in Swedish and is one of Finland’s most prominent authors, will talk to us about her work as an author, including her critically acclaimed, August Prize-winning novel “We Will Just Ride By” (vi ska ju bara cykla förbi). The August Prize is Sweden’s most prestigious literary award. The book was also nominated for the Finlandia Prize, the most prestigious literary award in Finland.
Ellen’s novels address with enormous sensitivity the challenges faced by young people as they struggle with the demands of close friendships and the desire to be accepted by the people they admire.
It is the spring of ninth grade, and Manda and Malin are best friends in a small town where nothing ever happens. When the hottest guy ever, in Malin’s opinion, gets a job at the local pizzeria, life feels like it is finally starting. But is the interest mutual, and is she genuinely interested in the end?
“With sensitivity and accuracy, Ellen Strömberg describes the turning point of adolescence, when the fantasies about who you want to be are suddenly put into practice, friendships are put to the test, and first love feels both alluring and terrifying. With the most tremendous respect for both her readers and her characters, Ellen Strömberg gives new life to the most iconic motif in youth literature”.
August prize jury.
‘”This is one of the most authentic novels I’ve ever read. Strömberg’s prose is quick, fun and suggestive.” Dagens Nyheter.
The talk, which will be followed by a Q & A session, will be held in English, by Zoom.
Email RSVP@angloswedishsociety.org.uk for a link to the talk
See also: angloswedishsociety.org.uk/events/?event_id=209&lang=en