Are you ready to immerse yourself in the beautiful Danish literature? Great, because that’s what this list of 7 must-read Danish books is for. But first, let me ask you a question. What comes to mind when you think of Denmark?
Happy people and welfare, bicycles and excellent beer, minimalistic and functional design, a paradise for all children and a place where imagination thrives. Denmark is home to the concepts of hygge and lykke, of Tuborg and Carlsberg, Carl Hansen & Son and Jysk, LEGO and, ok, let’s get to the point — Hans Christian Andersen.
Although Denmark is a small country, it has a lot of things to be proud of. Among these things, without a doubt, is Danish literature with Hans Christian Andersen topping the list. I doubt there is a person who hasn’t heard about Hans Christian Andersen or read at least one of his fairy tales.
However, Danish literature has a lot more to offer. Choosing among so many amazing reads and narrowing it down to just a few favorites isn’t easy. Still, I’ve managed to put together a list of my top 7 must-read Danish books. While it’s not exhaustive, I think it’s a good starting point.
The Complete Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen is definitely number 1 on my list of 7 must-read Danish books.
Hans Christian Andersen is loved by both children and adults all over the world. And it’s no coincidence that the International Children’s’ Book Day is celebrated on April 2, Andersen’s birthday.
While Andersen is, without a doubt, most famous for his fairy tales, or eventyr in Danish, he also explored other genres, including poetry, travelogues, and novels. His contribution to the fairy tale genre lies in his original stories and unique style, enchanting characters and timeless morals. From iconic fairy tales like The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling to lesser-known stories such as The Snow Queen and The Nightingale, each one of them sparkles with brilliance. My personal favorite though is The Emperor’s New Clothes: a timeless fairy tale that is just as relevant today as it was before, teaching us an important lesson – to maintain a healthy skepticism, question authority, and think critically.
Did you know?
Before becoming a writer, Andersen attempted careers in acting, singing, ballet, and visual arts, only to face rejection and failure. Well, we can only be thankful that he didn’t stop there and aspired to become a writer because I can’t imagine a world without Andersen’s fairy tales!
Out of Africa is a beautiful memoir of life in colonial British East Africa by Karen Blixen. In the memoir, Blixen shares her experiences living on a coffee plantation in Kenya in the early 20th century.
Blixen manages to capture the essence of life in Africa, from the beauty of the land to the majestic wildlife, from the vibrant cultures of the local tribes and their culture clash with Europeans to the challenges of living in a remote and untamed wilderness. She reflects on questions of identity and belonging, offering insights into the human experience as relevant today as they were a century ago.
Karen Blixen is one of the greatest literary voices of the 20th century Denmark, and Out of Africa is definitely a timeless classic and one of the must-read Danish books for everyone.
But who’s Isak Dinesen?
At this point, you’re probably thinking: ok, but who’s Isak Dinesen? It’s a male pseudonym that Karen Blixen adopted to avoid the gender bias that was prevalent in the literary world in the early 20th century. She hoped to ensure that people would judge her work based on its own merits rather than dismiss it because of her gender. She revealed her true identity as the author behind Isak Dinesen after the success of the very same book Out of Africa in 1934.
Miss Smilla’s Feeling for Snow by Peter Høeg is one of his most famous books. It definitely ranks highly on my must-read Danish books list, too. Høeg is one of the most beloved Danish authors, and his works are considered among the best contemporary Danish books.
Before dedicating himself to writing, Høeg explored various paths — he was a sailor, ballet dancer, actor, and mountaineer. His rich life and professional experiences have definitely had an impact on his writing, giving it depth and authenticity. Høeg shows a deep understanding of the subjects he portrays, especially of nature and the sea. If you want to understand what I mean, Miss Smilla’s Feeling for Snow is the perfect example!
The main character, Smilla, is a half-Greenlandic, half-Danish young woman with a unique gift – an almost intuitive understanding of snow, coming from her Greenlandic childhood and scientific expertise. Smilla is equally fascinated with the precision of maths as she is with the complexity of snow.
“Reading snow is like listening to music. To describe what you’ve read is like explaining music in writing.”
Miss Smilla’s Feeling for Snow
When Smilla’s six-year-old neighbour, Isaiah, falls to his death from a rooftop, the police dismiss it as an accident. But Smilla, with her “feeling for snow,” senses conspiracy and believes it’s murder. She’s determined to uncover the truth and starts a dangerous investigation. Smilla uses her understanding for snow and math skills to analyze patterns and decipher clues. She explores the depths of a world where snow holds secrets, and where justice lies buried beneath the ice.
Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, brings his expertise in happiness and well-being to life in The Little Book of Hygge. Wiking is passionate about exploring the Danish concept of hygge and has dedicated his career to studying happiness.
Hygge
The Danish concept of hygge is a philosophy centered around coziness, comfort, and togetherness. Hygge is all about the feeling of warmth and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Whether it’s curling up with a book by the fireplace or sharing a drink or a meal with loved ones, embracing hygge fosters a deep appreciation for life’s small joys.
In this charming guide, Wiking shares practical tips and heartwarming anecdotes, offering a unique and refreshing perspective on happiness and well-being. Whether you’re seeking to create a cozy atmosphere in your home or simply looking to find more happiness in your daily life, The Little Book of Hygge is a delightful read that reminds us of the importance of cherishing life’s simple pleasures in our daily lives.
We, The Drowned is an epic saga set in a Danish port town across generations of seafarers, with historical events such as wars and revolutions as a backdrop.
Carsten Jensen is a Danish writer, journalist, and globetrotter. He has traveled a lot around the world, drawing inspiration for his novels, essays and travel books. His experiences as a traveler and journalist have enriched his perspectives and contributed to the vividness of his storytelling.
Jensen’s narrative spans continents and centuries, following the lives of various characters – from ambitious young sailors to experienced captains – as they face the challenges and triumphs of life at sea. It’s a beautiful tale of adventure, love, courage, sacrifice, resilience, and the pursuit of freedom.
One of Us is Sleeping by Josefine Klougart is a book about love and loss, longing and yearning, about the complexities of relationships and the fragility of existence.
Despite her young age, Josefine Klougart has already left a significant mark on the literary world. Her thought-provoking stories and ability to explore complex themes have earned her recognition as a rising star in contemporary Danish literature.
The novel follows the story of a young woman as she returns home to visit her dying mother. Alongside this, she reflects on a passionate but short-lived love affair that leaves her grieving and disillusioned.
The central theme is the stark contrast between the stability of memories like childhood home, parental love, and past relationships, and the inevitable endings in our lives. The young woman struggles with various emotions and experiences, such as grief, love, and the passage of time.
The autobiographical Copenhagen Trilogy by Tove Ditlevsen is a reflection on her life as a woman and an author. It explores her evolution from a young girl in a working-class neighborhood to a celebrated writer.
Tove Ditlevsen is a Danish author famous for her raw, honest and intimate prose, offering readers a glimpse into her life and times in mid-20th century Copenhagen.
The trilogy tells the story of the highs and lows of her personal and professional life, of struggle, triumph, and self-discovery. It’s a story of the challenges a creative spirit is facing, of the complexities of family dynamics, love affairs, and the pursuit of ambition in a rapidly changing society.
The Must-Read Danish Books Are More than 7 but It’s a Good Start
From timeless fairy tales to contemporary novels and memoirs, Danish literature is like a treasure chest. It holds not only golden classics but also lesser-known yet still valuable works, waiting to be discovered.
I chose these 7 must-read Danish books because I believe they capture the essence of Danish life and offer a glimpse into the heart of Scandinavia. I hope this list, although not exhaustive, has inspired you to explore Danish literature and broaden your knowledge of Danish culture.
So, pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea, light a candle, cozy up with a blanket, and immerse yourself in the world of Danish literature!
