On Nordic Noir, Bergen and A Greener Future

With over 20 titles published in 24 countries, 74-year-old Gunnar Staalesen is known as the grandfather of Nordic crime thrillers. Originally written in the 1980s, his environmental thriller Bitter Flowers has now been translated for the first time and is out in the UK this year.

Gunnar Staalesen. Press photo We caught up with the Norwegian author to find out why the book is relevant now, what he thinks the appeal of Nordic Noir is about, and what he loves most about Bergen – the home town of his private investigator character Varg Veum, a statue of whom has pride of place in the centre of the city.

Q: Bitter Flowers was first written in the ‘80s but is only being published in English this year. Why now, and what are the aspects that make the book particularly relevant right now?

A: My UK publisher, Orenda Books, has published all of the latest books in the series (eight to date), and while they await the next Varg Veum, they’re returning to earlier books in the series to fill the gaps. I am sorry to say that everything we are seeing in our society today reminds us that the theme of pollution and the destruction of the natural world is just as relevant today as it was in 1991, when the book was first published in Norway.

Q: The book has been referred to as an environmental thriller – what does that mean, and how did you end up writing a book like that? Would you say that topics related to the environment are particularly close to your heart?

The Varg Veum statue in Bergen. Press photo

Bitter Flowers cover. Press photo

A: When I wrote Bitter Flowers, ‘environmental thrillers’ probably didn’t even exist. I call it a ‘detective novel’ or a ‘crime novel’, but, like almost all modern crime fiction, there is a serious backdrop, shining a spotlight on problems or conflicts that we see in our society. Because of the growth of importance of these environmental issues, we have seen a new part of genre emerge, with the focus heavily on ecology and protecting our world. It is a subject close to my heart, and the theme runs through more than one of my books.

Q: Do you think the way you dealt with the topic of pollution would have been different if Bitter Flowers had been written today? If so, how? And if not, what do you make of the fact that these issues remain and we have yet to find successful solutions to the urgent climate crisis?

A: Sadly, I would not have had to change much. Apart from modern technology (mobile phones, personal computers and social media), the issues at the heart of the book remain a serious concern. Although it’s clear that a crime novel or two won’t change the world – much greater action, on the political and industrial level are required for that – Bitter Flowers can remind us of our responsibilities, by pointing out the problems and asking the right questions. We can all create change on a small level by making some wise decisions in our daily life.

Q: The book is set in Bergen, which is also your home town and features a statue of your private investigator character, Varg Veum. What does Bergen mean to you, and what do you think your books mean to the city?

A: I’ve lived the whole of my life in Bergen, and love the city. It forms a beautiful and recognisable backdrop for all of my writing. Many people in my hometown have taken my books into their hearts, and tourists come to the city to walk the streets of Varg Veum – some from as far away as Australia. Varg could not live anywhere else, and nor could I.

Q: What is it about Nordic Noir, do you think, that’s made the genre so popular? Is there something in particular about places in the Nordics, and indeed Bergen, that lends itself to a certain type of narrative and adds to the reading experience?

A: Crime fiction has a long tradition in Norwegian literature; in fact, the first crime novel was written here in 1839, a year before Edgar Allan Poe wrote The Murders in the Rue Morgue. This is a tradition shared in Denmark and Sweden, too. Most Nordic Noir authors were influenced by Swedish crime writers Sjöwall & Wahlöö, who created and defined the genre with their ten novels featuring Martin Beck, between 1965 and 1975. Nordic literature also embraces nature – something seen as early as the Icelandic sagas, from the 13th century. There is that rugged, spectacular beauty of the landscape –countries of extremes in geography and temperature and, of course, that desolate darkness of the winter months… all of which lend themselves to the atmosphere.

Q: What do you personally love most about Norway generally and Bergen specifically? And would you say that your books are very Norwegian?

A: In addition to democracy and the admirable welfare state, what I love most about Norway is nature – the towering mountains, endless fjords, and the beautiful coastline. Bergen itself is a charming city, teeming with history in its stunning architecture, and it has a long cultural tradition in the worlds of theatre, music and literature. My books are set in Norway and Norway is very much a character, but I write with international readers in mind, and they are as accessible anywhere and everywhere.

A young Gunnar Staalesen in front of Bryggen, Bergen. Press photo

Q: If readers who don’t speak Norwegian would like to familiarise themselves with Bergen more prior to visiting, are there any books, films or other works of art or media that you would recommend?

A: We are a relatively small country, and many of our classics have not been translated into English; however, if you want to get to know Bergen, I suggest the Varg Veum novels (of course), all of which are set there, and also Agnes Ravatn’s The Seven Doors and the works of our biggest female writer, Amalie Skram, such as The People from Hellemyr.

Q: Looking back at the 40 years that have passed since Bitter Flowers was first written, what change would you wish to see in the world in the next 40 years?

A: The climate crisis is the biggest problem we are facing both today and in the future, and if mankind is to survive, some big changes will have to be made. Wiser decisions and a concerted effort by politicians in the 40 years since I wrote Bitter Flowers might have made all the difference. Let’s hope that change is on the cards.

Gunnar Staalesen’s top five tips of things to see and do in Bergen:

1. Take the funicular railway to the

Fløyen Mountain (eight minutes) and go for a walk in the woods at the top, continuing through the trees to a majestic mountain plateau.

2. Visit Bryggen, the old, Hanseatic part of the town.

3. Walk through the narrow streets of Nordnes, where you will find the Bergen Aquarium and a nice park towards the fjord (Nordnes is a peninsula).

4. Visit Troldhaugen, the home of

Edvard Grieg, Bergen’s bestknown composer.

5. Visit some of the art collections, go to a concert (from rock and jazz to philharmonic orchestra) or visit the beautiful theatre,

Den Nationale Scene. Bergen’s culture scene is flourishing, and there is much to admire.

Flutist Livia Schweizer performing last year in Sodankylä old church. Photo: Kalle Arsalo Artistic director and conductor Aku Sorensen. Photo: Mario Ramirez

What happens if you combine Finnish nature and classical music? This is what the group of classical musicians and music lovers who established the Kuusikko soi association set out to discover. Their creation, the Sounds of Luosto festival, will take place for the second time on 27-31 July this summer.

By Ester Laiho

The story of Sounds of Luosto dates back to 2018, when conductor and violinist Aku Sorensen was up in Lapland giving a recital. After his performance, he enjoyed dinner with some locals, discussing what a shame it was that another classical music festival had its last run, with no one to carry on the legacy.

The group set out to organise a series of concerts in the area and to go from there, as Sorensen explains: “The idea of a future summer festival was brought up a few times, but it was very much just a twinkle in our eyes: we would start small.”

Fast-forward to the spring of 2022, and Sorensen, now artistic director of the festival, is looking forward to the summer with a new theme and even more concerts and activities lined up. This year’s theme, Stories and Myths, will bring together works from over 40 composers, written on all six inhabited continents and representing tales from cultures all over the world in 17 concerts. The international assortment of acts is set in the beautiful nature of the region of Luosto and Sodankylä, where the festival will be held again this year. Concert venues include the Sodankylä old church and unique outdoor stages, most notably the natural auditorium on Ukko-Luosto.

The setting earned rave reviews from the performers last year. Sorensen convinced the performers to join him to climb to the top of the Luosto fell the first night they arrived. “I will never forget one of our pianists turning to me at the top of the fell, declaring: ‘Well, this festival was already worth it’.” The audiences noted the unique surroundings, too: in the stands of Ukko-Luosto, it is possible to pick blueberries while listening to concerts.

Sorensen explains that locals speak of the Miracle of Luosto. The previous festival had an impeccable track record with good weather. It continued last year, as it will this year: “Last year’s concert started off overcast before the sun burst through the clouds at the peak of Sibelius’s 5th Symphony, accompanied by the poignant birdsong of Siberian jays, which serve as the mascots of our festival. The spirit of the fell looks out for us, and it definitely has a flair for the dramatic.”

Concert goers enjoying a performance in Ukko-Luosto. Photo: Kalle Arsalo

Web: luostosoi.fi Facebook: luostosoi Instagram: @luostosoi

Swedish producer Alesso has paired up with a fellow international pop export from his home country – Zara Larsson – for a collaboration. They’ve just released new single and video, Words. It’s a house tune with a seductively cool bassline sitting under an absolute heart-breaker of a lyric. They sound perfect together, however. As do Alesso and Zara.

New music from the critically acclaimed Norwegian talent Metteson is always a delight, and now he’s back with latest single, Second Heart. It’s a spectacular ballad that builds beautifully to dramatic effect, and during which he lays his heart (or second heart?) bare for our listening pleasure.

Faroese popstar Reiley is out with a brand-new tune, Blah Blah Blah. He’s gone from sampling the iPhone ringtone on his debut (true story, check out Let It Ring), to sampling Kylie Minogue on this new one; specifically, Can’t Get You Out Of My Head. With that iconic song’s trills of “la la la, lala, la-la-la”, he’s created a whole new pop behemoth. And two decades later, that infamous melody is once again gonna be a permanent fixture in our collective heads throughout the summer.

He’s co-written Austria’s entry to the Eurovision Song Contest in Turin in May, and now Swedish artist Flyckt is out with a delightful new track himself – a cover of Swedish synthpop group Kite’s hit Jonny Boy. It’s a thoroughly charming number that grabs via the most rousing of melodies, accompanied by a matching feelgood production. And whistling, too! Veritable bucketfuls of whistling. 22-year-old Eah hails from Gothenburg and first made a name for himself via his own TikTok channel, leading to him featuring on a hit Estraden single last year. Now he’s out with his own debut – Dränker Mina Tankar. With it, we get youthful angst channelled into musical references beyond its years. This song brings to mind

By Karl Batterbee

melancholy-ridden ‘80s pop from acts like Depeche Mode. But brought right up to date and perfect for a post-Victor Leksell Swedish soundscape.

Web: www.scandipop.co.uk

Fitting in as a teenager isn’t just about fashion and music. It’s also about what you eat. This is especially true if you’re also from a different country. It’s all very well to bring your weird snacks across borders as an adult, but when you’re 15 it’s best avoided. Grossing out a school canteen with your lunch does not help you win friends.

Luckily, my moving to the UK coincided with a period of mostly consuming bread and Swiss roll, which put me in a good position to fit into an English comprehensive. I balked at using the ‘tuck shop’ on account of not knowing what one was. Same with ‘mince pies’ and various other foods (spotted dick, anyone?). Egg – I came to understand – was of great importance to British teenagers. There were many varieties of egg to be mastered.

A particular victory came when a girl invited me to her house for lunch. I watched as she whisked butter, milk and egg together, then put the lot in the microwave. Sound basic? To me, the concept was wild, but I pretended to know all about scrambled eggs while I hacked rock-solid butter onto a soggy slice of toast and mimicked my unsuspecting host by dipping the whole thing in ketchup.

My parents adjusted on a smaller scale, for example by discretely putting a stop to the import of fermented herring, after neighbors expressed alarm at what they assumed was a corpse decomposing somewhere in the village.

My final triumph was another take on ‘egg’. I still remember the disapproving look on my mum’s face as she watched me carefully cutting toast into soldiers and dunking them into raw egg yolk. “You’ve become too British,” she complained, and just like that, I knew that the road to acceptance lay brightly ahead.

By Maria Smedstad

Maria Smedstad moved to the UK from Sweden in 1994. She received a degree in Illustration in 2001, before settling in the capital as a freelance cartoonist, creating the autobiographical cartoon Em. Maria writes a column on the trials and tribulations of life as a Swede in the UK.

By Hanna Heiskanen

Sideways takes place in central Helsinki. Photo: Petri Anttila

Between Before and After: Clare Woods’ paintings (until 5 March 2023) British Artist Clare Woods is exhibiting at the Serlachius Museum in Mänttä. In her first show in Finland, partly inspired by the pandemic, she explores vulnerability through paintings of flowers and humans. Between Before and After covers works Woods has created in the past five years and is a collaboration with Dundee Contemporary Arts. While at the museum, check out their permanent exhibition, too, and enjoy the views from the picturesque lakeside location. Joenniementie 47, Mänttä serlachius.fi

country’s most interesting designers to feature in the international showcase taking place during Milan Design Week. Norway’s mountains, fjords and natural resources have acted as inspiration for the contributors. The exhibition has been curated by Kråkvik & D’Orazio. Via Daniele Manin 13, Milano norwegianpresence.no Miniøya (11 and 12 June) Summer means festival season for children, too. Miniøya is Norway’s largest cultural and music festival for children. Organised since 2010, the festival takes children seriously, which means introducing them to a wide range of music styles, but never with a frown. If you need proof, why not try the ‘Pimp My Drum’

Clare Woods: TheEnglishSmile(2021). Photo: Clare Woods / Martin Asbaek

Matter by Norwegian Presence (7-12 June) Norway is taking over Brera in Italy this early June. Design and Architecture Norway (DOGA) has chosen some of the

Serlachius Museum grounds. Photo: Olli Huttunen

fabric painting workshop, or ‘Bach Goes HipHop’, which combines classical music with breakdance. Tøyenparken, Helgesens gate 90, Oslo minioya.no

XXVI Mänttä Art Festival (12 June to 31 August) If you’re planning a summer trip to escape the big smoke, consider Mänttä in Central Finland. It’s somewhat of a paradise for art lovers, housing the worldclass Serlachius Museum, but also the annual Mänttä Art Festival. This year’s edition, which has been curated by Finn Markus Kåhre, has no theme, but the event is branching out beyond visual artists to include musicians and writers. The group of 25 includes the acclaimed photographer and video artist Elina Brotherus, the collective Artemisia Vulgaris and playwright Laura Ruohonen. Tehtaankatu 21, Mänttä kuvataideviikot.fi

Sideways (16 to 18 June) Sideways is one of those urban music events that allows you to experience all the pleasant aspects of a festival (the music, the people, the vibes) without any of the drawbacks (most involving a tent). The line-up for 2022 looks promising: Joy Orbison and Róisín Murphy represent international talent, whereas Vesala, Maustetytöt and Astrid Swan are some of Finland’s biggest names in music. There will also be side events which, in the past years, have included bird sound karaoke and beer yoga. Nordenskiöldinkatu 11-13, Helsinki sidewayshelsinki.fi

Singer-songwriter Astrid Swan will perform at Sideways. Photo: Sideways

Nordklang Choral Festival (29 June to 2 July) This Nordic choral music festival goes all the way back to 1971, and has since then been organised every three years in various locations. This year, you’ll need to head to Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, where the event is hosted by local choral associations. Expect performances and workshops covering different genres, from folk to classical, and including the mixed choir Nordisk koncertkor from Nuuk in Greenland. nordklang.nordklangkorfestival.org

Miniøya children’s festival. Photo: Therese Tran

The contributors of Mänttä Art Festival. Photo: Marko Marin