This collection of nine short stories takes us into the depths of the Swedish countryside. With her signature combination of dark humour and poetry, Stina Stoor gives us snapshots of childhood: the disastrous excursion of a young boy and his older brother in a forest; an angry girl’s successful fishing trip; an unexpected gift from a sick father; and a birthday party that brings together two worlds that were never supposed to meet. In this vast wilderness of forests, lakes and rivers, nature is bitter, vibrant and sublime, people are lonely and desperate and relationships are toxic…but its inhabitants take root and grow like tough wild grass.
Born in the northern region of Västerbotten in 1982, Stina Stoor belongs to a distinguished lineage of major Swedish writers such as Sara Lidman, P.O Enquist and Torgny Lindgren. She grew up in Balåliden, a tiny village where she was the only child. She is self-taught and began writing when she entered a short story competition. In 2012 her short story För vår del was awarded a prize by the town of Umeå. Three years later, she wrote eight more stories and published the collection entitled Bli som folk, which was nominated for the Augustpriset (the most prestigious Swedish literary prize).
During this anniversary year dedicated to friendship, the Institut Suédois wishes to emphasise the fundamental role of translators in fostering ties between French and Swedish culture. Sois sage, bordel ! was translated from Swedish by participants in the translation seminar led by Elena Balzamo at the Institut Suédois. Elena Balzamo will join Stina Stoor on stage to talk about their shared experience.
Moderator: Tara Lennart, journalist
Useful information
- Admission free
- The event will take place in the garden. In case of rain it will take place in the auditorium with a reduced capacity
- Talk mainly in French, with some parts in Swedish
- To ensure that everybody is protected and that events run smoothly, our team is implementing a number of hygiene and safety measures. Please read the barrier gestures by clicking here.
In collaboration with Marie Barbier Éditions.
With support from the Centre national du livre, the Swedish Embassy in France, and the Swedish Arts Council.
Stina Stoor also participates in the Nuit de la littérature 29 May, an online edition this year. Click here to learn more about this event.
Institut suédois 50 years in 2021! This event forms part of our anniversary programme dedicated to the theme of Friendship. Click here to learn more.