New library prize for “Voluntary death” by Steffen Kverneland – Dagsavisen

“Voluntary death” is a powerful story about a father who took his own life – Kverneland’s own father. Kverneland experiments with the use of family photos, and the tension in text and images is broken up with humor.

It was the happy prize winner who entered the stage at the Bærum library.

– This is so amazing. I am very happy, said Kverneland after receiving the award.

– I really like my dad, and I think that’s a good starting point. After all, he was a victim, and I have that to say, Kverneland said, among other things, about the book.

Comic power

He told me about the long process with the book, and a lot of work with text and pictures. He was delighted with the award four full years after the book was published.

– Then it has not been forgotten!

Kverneland is one of Norway’s most well-known cartoonists in serial format, and he is primarily known for “Munch” (2013), which has been translated into eleven languages.

– The winning book shows that personal tragedy can be universally valid and important – and even funny. Even though this book has a background of endless sadness, we are also lifted up and filled with important knowledge. This is a poignant and moving book with a beautiful portrait of a father. And the book “A Voluntary Death” also clearly demonstrates the power of comics as a genre, said the justification for the award.

Book-loving crown princess in the hall

Ten books were nominated for the Library Prize. The winner was announced at the Bærum library on Wednesday evening in the presence of Crown Princess Mette-Marit who was interested in literature. He revealed to NTB that he had not read all of the ten books nominated. He then greeted all the nominees and award winners Steffen Kverneland.

Eight of the country’s largest libraries have taken the initiative to present the award, on behalf of all public libraries in the country. Book lenders and library staff have been involved in voting for the winning books.

Prizes will be awarded to writers or translators and thereafter will be awarded annually.

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Lance Heptinstall

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