I went back to Sweden last weekend and as usual, coming back from one of those visits, my bag contains a very weird mix av things. This time I brought back fifteen kilos of toothbrushes (the Swedish ones are much softer than the UK ones) salty liquorice (but of course!) Polly-chocolate (can’t live without it part I) Falukorv (can’t live without it part II), snus (can live without it but… well, enough said)  Snabbmakaroner (Sweden are famous for its pasta) and lots and lots of books. Swedish books by Swedish authors. Many of the Swedish authors today are worldly recognized and translated into several languages – especially in the crime genre (which we will dedicate a post to in the very near future). But most of the Swedish books will probably never make it across the border.

Yesterday, I read one of those. It’s called “Skynda att älska” (“Hurry to love”) and is written by my favourite journalist and blogger, Alex Schulman. I have never been a great fan of book reviews and I never write them either. I rather just happily accept book tips from friends and in return, force them to read the masterpieces I’ve come across.  Today, I’m on a mission to make everyone I know read “Skynda att älska”.  Even you people! 

“Skynda att älska”  is the very honest and true story about the relationship between Alex and his his father Allan, a Swedish television producer who died  in 2003. Alex was 27 back then, Allan was 84. It is about growing up with a father old enough to be your grandfather and what effect that has on your life as a kid – and as an adult, when your time together slowly is running out.

You see, this is exactly why I don’t like reviews. It’s impossible to make a great book justice and therefore, I’m stopping right here. But I would really like to share this wonderful book with one of you out there. Not only because it’s a great book, but also because it gives a beautiful description of so much that is typical Swedish. And the language, boy, is it amazing! So, if you would like something fairly easy but very gripping (tissues is a must) to read or to save for the day when your Swedish is fluent, just drop a comment here. Make sure to leave your e-mail address in the required field as well (it will be for my eyes only). I’m happy to post it anywhere in the world and if you’re really lucky, I might even slip some salty liquorice in the package as well.

I’ll randomly pick a winner on the March 31.

Have a great weekend!