In connection with the Singapore Writers Festival running on 2-11 November, Norwegian Ambassador to Singapore H.E. Mr. Tormod Cappelen Endresen organised a small gathering and invited people from the Singaporean cultural scene to the ambassador’s residence. Kjell Ola Dahl, the Norwegian crime author, was there talking about his writings and the Scandinavian crime genre.
Scandinavian crime literature has become world famous over the past few years. World class authors such as Stieg Larsson, Jo Nesbø and Kjell Ola Dahl have put the Nordic countries on the map with their gripping stories set in a Scandinavian environment.
After a video clip from the Norwegian movie “Headhunters” was screened at the event, the stage was set for Kjell Ola Dahl and Singaporean writer Catherine Lim to elaborate more on crime fiction and society.
In his books, Dahl writes about contemporary issues such as ethical investments, drug policies and inequality. After working with people dealing with drug problems, he wanted to spur some attention to the lives of these individuals, and the way they are being treated in Norway.
“I wanted to write a book about these issues, but I soon realised that people weren’t going to read it unless I introduced a morbid plot. By killing the main character in the beginning of the book, I was able to expose the reader to the life of the drug addict,” said Mr Dahl.
Needless to say, the book became a success, and Dahl has now written eight books in the series about the police investigator Gunnarstranda.
After the introduction to Scandinavian crime literature, the floor was given to Catherine Lim. Lim is a famous writer, columnist and active voice in the Singaporean society. During her presentation, she spoke about how people’s writings are shaped by our past and by the society in which we are brought up.
