Astrid & Veronika: A Swedish Journey Companion
Our Reading Companion is a curated guide that enhances your book club experience. It provides insightful discussions, cultural context, and even themed recipes related to our monthly book selection, enriching your reading journey.
“I think of leisurely summer days with children playing in the garden, picking the wild strawberries.”
✍️ About the Author: Linda Olsson is a renowned author known for her compelling narratives and deep character development. Born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden, Olsson's work often reflects her Scandinavian roots. She gained international acclaim with her debut novel, "Astrid and Veronika," which has been translated into numerous languages and has touched readers worldwide. Olsson's writing is characterized by its emotional depth and exploration of human relationships, often set against the backdrop of different cultures.
💡Fun Facts About Sweden:
Sweden is the third largest country in the European Union by land area. Despite its large size, it has a relatively small population, with a density of about 23 inhabitants per square kilometer.
Sweden has a 'Right of Public Access' law, known as 'Allemansrätten'. This law allows anyone to roam freely in the countryside, swim in the lakes, and pick mushrooms and berries, as long as they don't disturb or destroy nature or private property.
Sweden is home to the Nobel Prizes. The awards were established by the will of Alfred Nobel, a Swedish inventor, engineer, and industrialist. The Nobel Prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, and Economic Sciences are awarded in Stockholm, Sweden.
Sweden has a strong coffee culture. Swedes are among the top consumers of coffee in the world. They even have a special term, "fika", which means to have a coffee break, often accompanied by pastries, cookies, or cake.
Sweden has more than 267,570 islands. This is the largest number of islands of any country in the world. The Stockholm archipelago alone has over 30,000 islands.
Sweden is a leader in environmental sustainability. It has one of the highest proportions of renewable energy in the EU, and it's one of the few countries in the world that imports more waste than it produces, using it for recycling and energy production.
Sweden is home to the world's first ice hotel. Located in the village of Jukkasjärvi, the Icehotel is reconstructed every year with ice from the Torne River. It features unique rooms and suites carved by various artists.
Sweden's daylight varies dramatically between seasons. In summer, the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun brings 24 hours of daylight in the north. Conversely, winter's Polar Nights mean the sun doesn't rise at all in some northern areas.
Swedish Holidays:
Våffeldagen (25th March): A day dedicated to the delicious delight of eating waffles, topped with cloudberry jam and cream, usually accompanied by a strong coffee. [More Info]
Walpurgis Eve (Valborgsmässoafton, April 30): An evening filled with song, as huge bonfires are lit at dusk to celebrate the end of winter and the arrival of spring. [More Info]
Ascension Day (Kristi Himmelsfärdsdag, 40 days after Easter): A public holiday marking the beginning of the summer fishing season. [More Info]
Pentecost / Whit Sunday (50 days after Easter): A Christian holiday where Swedes remember the disciples and apostles first being visited by the Holy Spirit. [More Info]
Midsommar (The nearest Friday to midsummer’s day): One of the country’s largest festivals, with dancing around maypoles, singing, eating, and drinking being the order of the day. [More Info]
Alla Helgons Dag (The nearest Saturday to 1st November): All Saints Day is a day to remember the dead, with Swedes lighting candles in cemeteries to commemorate their loved ones. [More Info]
🍽️ Swedish food traditions:
Surströmming (Fermented Herring) Season in August -This unique tradition, primarily observed in northern Sweden, involves the ceremonial opening of a tin of fermented herring and enjoying it outdoors. While not an official public holiday, it's a fascinating spectacle of gathering, feasting on the distinctive fish, singing songs, and indulging in snaps. Despite its strong aroma, Surströmming is a quintessential part of Swedish gastronomy. For an in-depth look at this eccentric celebration, refer to our guide on Sweden's most distinctive food.
Crayfish Parties in Early August: - Crayfish parties are a highlight of the Swedish summer. These festive gatherings typically involve a lot of snaps, beer, and, of course, crayfish. Participants often don fun paper hats, silly bibs, and use napkins adorned with crayfish motifs. Weather permitting, these parties are usually held outdoors, adding to the jovial atmosphere. It's a delightful tradition that showcases the Swedish love for seafood and communal celebrations.
📚Other Books Set in Sweden: (LSL approved ✅)
"A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman (2012) - A heartwarming and humorous story about a grumpy old man named Ove and his unexpected friendships. ✅
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson (2005) -The first book in the Millennium series, it's a modern mystery thriller about a journalist and a hacker investigating a wealthy family's secrets. ✅
"The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared" by Jonas Jonasson (2009) - A humorous and quirky novel about a centenarian who escapes from a nursing home and goes on an unexpected adventure. ✅
"Britt-Marie Was Here" by Fredrik Backman (2014) - A novel about a woman named Britt-Marie who, after leaving her cheating husband, takes a job in a small, run-down town and changes the lives of its inhabitants. ✅
