2012 Merethe Lindstrøm, Norway: Dager i stillhetens historie

2012 Merethe Lindstrøm, Norge: Dager i stillhetens historie

About the author

Merethe Lindstrøm was born in Bergen in 1963. She made her debut with the short story collection “Sexorcisten og andre fortellinger” in 1983, and has since written several other collections of short stories, novels and a children's book. A characteristic of Merethe Lindstrøm's writing is her focus on modern people's quest for others and for meaning. She has received most recognition for her collection of short stories “Svømme under vann” (1994) and novels “Steinsamlere” (1996) and “Stedfortrederen” (1997). She was nominated for the Nordic Council Literature Prize in 2008 for her collection of short stories “Gjestene” (2007) and nominated for the Norwegian Critics Prize for best adult book in 2007. Merethe Lindstrøm was awarded the Dobloug Prize in 2008 for her entire literary work.

About the winning piece

An elderly couple have silently agreed to not discuss their past. While he shuts himself away more and more, she tries to break out of the isolation and silence. Who was the housekeeper that they were both very close to for a while before abruptly dismissing her? Merethe Lindstrøm's writing projects a strong, tense family drama about silence and secrecy. It is about the love between two people who have made important choices that define their entire existence, just to realize that some things cannot be ignored. The past not only resurfaces, it has been there all along.

Dager i stillhetens historie

Published by: Aschehoug publishing company 

Publication year: 2011

This is what the Adjudicating Committee had to say

In a gentle, precise and thoughtful prose Lindstrøm relates how a dramatic past slowly breaks into an elderly woman's life and consciousness.