In the foot steps of Jo Nesbø Tomorrow, on Sunday, December 8, I am heading towards Oslo for a couple of days. I found a quote from Nesbø, on Oslo. " Until the Eighties, Oslo was a rather boring town, but it's changed a lot, and is now much more cosmopolitan. If I go downtown, I visit the harbour to see the tall ships and the ferries, and to admire the modern architecture such as the Opera House or the new Astrup Fearnley Museum on the water's edge ." That is probably true, and I can add the new Munch museum in the same area, making it to a cultural treat. I wrote a short newsletter this week on Oslo, available on my: The Content Reader Newsletter . While looking on the web, I happened to find a website, helping you to follow in Harry Hole's footsteps. As mot of you know, Harry Hole is the famous detective creative by Nesbø, appearing in many of his novels. I have not read that many of his books, but I will make a note for my next trip. In the footsteps of Harry Hole throught the street of Oslo A few examples of a tour with Harry Hole (from Strawberry website, link above). Restaurant Schrøder - Waldemar Thranes Gate 8 - a five-minute walk from Harry Hole's flat. This is also the restaurant where police officer's regular meet. " Everyone who comes in wants to know the same thing: which table does Hole sit at when he's here, " adds Khalid with a smile." Harry Hole's apartment - Sofies gate 5 - in the Bislett area of Oslo. Teddy Softbar - Brugata 3A - " Entering Teddy's Softbar is like taking a journey back in time. Since its opening, the restaurant has been a gathering place for all Oslo residents from the east to the west side. " It seems that Nesbø has choosen a few places that looks really inviting. Maybe I will pass by some of them? I have to keep my eyes open. Have you read Nesbø's books? He has sold over 50 million books, and is Norway's most popular author. It might be a good time to read another one, while in Oslo.

Second of Advent and the day to light the second candle. Here in Sweden it is rather dark this time of the year. December is therefore a rather nice month, because we add a lot of extra lights; advent chandeliers, electric and candles, electric star, we decorate our balconies, trees, and other vegetation in the garden. I remember when my husband first came to Sweden for a Christmas - many years ago. He went by bus from the airport, travelling through villages, cities, and countryside. The first thing he sad upon arrival was: "Is it obligatory in Sweden to have an electric advent chandelier in the windows?" It is not, but most people have them. These days, I think it is rather common all over Europe. It makes an extra touch of warmt during the cold, dark, and sometimes foggy winter. Enjoy the photos.

Christmas reading I am not really a person who reads Christmas novels. I have read, maybe the most famous one, Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol. Otherwise, I have no real interest in specific Christmas reading, unless they are nonfiction. I thought it would be interesting though, to check out which seasonal stories are available. I found the following on Wikipedia (I am sure there are others as well): Novels Agatha Christie, Hercule Poirot's Christmas - which I read recently Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol - which I have read Charles Dickens, The Chimes Charles Dickens, The Cricket on the Hearth Charles Dickens, The Battle of Life Charles Dickens, The Haunted Man and The Ghost's Bargain Janet Evanovich, Visions of Sugar Plums Frederick Forsyth, The Shepherd Jostein Gaarder, The Christmas Mystery John Grisham, Skipping Christmas Maureen Johnson, John Green and Lauren Myracle, Let It Snow C. S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe - which I have read Christopher Moore, The Stupidest Angel: A Heartwarming Tale of Christmas Terror Kate Douglas Wiggin, The Birds' Christmas Carol Short stories Hans Christian Andersen, "The Fir-Tree" Truman Capote, "A Christmas Memory" (published in Mademoiselle) John Cheever, "Christmas is a Sad Season for the Poor" Agatha Christie, The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding Agatha Christie, A Christmas Tragedy Fyodor Dostoevsky, "A Christmas Tree and a Wedding" Fyodor Dostoevsky, "The Beggar Boy at Christ's Christmas Tree" (Mal'chik u Khrista na yolke) (from A Writer's Diary) Arthur Conan Doyle, "The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle" Nikolai Gogol, "Christmas Eve" (from Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka) O. Henry, The Gift of the Magi E. T. A. Hoffmann, "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" (Nussknacker und Mausekönig) Leo Tolstoy, "Papa Panov's Special Christmas" (translation of Saillens) Dylan Thomas, A Child's Christmas in Wales Philip Van Doren Stern, The Greatest Gift Kurt Vonnegut, While Mortals Sleep (book of short stories) I got a little bit curious on Fredrick Forsyth 's The Shepherd which seems to be a little bit of a ghost story. I might try that one for Christmas. As for the short stories it would be interesting to read H.C. Andersen 's The Fir-Tree. His stories are always related to society and thought worthy. Dostoyevsky is a favourite so it would be interesting to read his two attemps on a Christmas story. The same goes for Tolstoy . The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E. T. A. Hoffmann is the short story on which Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Nutcracker is based. I like Hoffmann and it would be interesting to read the story. I love the music by Tchaikovsky, but I find the ballet a little bit boring. Do you have any specific novels or short stories that you read for Christmas. Please let me know.

The Nobel Family Today is December 10th, and in Sweden it is the Nobel day - the day this year's laureates will receive their prizes in Stockholm. In the evening, the grand gala dinner takes place, leaving those of us not invited to imagine the delicious dishes served. Recently, I watched a TV series about the Nobel family. While Alfred Nobel is the most famous, the entire family made remarkable contributions to the world. His brothers Ludvig and Robert ran major business in St. Petersburg and Baku, focusing on oil, until they were forced to flee during the Russian Revolution. The Nobel brothers were ahead of their time when it came ot labor conditions. In Russia, their factories included worker housing, school for employees' children, and a pioneering welfare system providing health care. Despite facing challenges, the family always seemed to find their way, helping each other out, when necessary. Alfred, who became the most famous, left Sweden to establish a successful business in Europe. Innovation ran deep in the family: Afred alone held 355 patents. Ultimately, it was his will that secured his legacy. Alfred's legacy Unlike his brothers, who were all married and had families, Alfred remained a bachelor. Though he sought companionship, his introvert nature made forming close relationships difficult. At one point, he placed an advertisement in the paper, seeking an intelligent, educated woman who serve as his secretary and housekeeper, with a possibility of marriage. Bertha Kinsky, an Austro-Bohemian noblewoman, responded to the ad and took the position. Alfred and Bertha developed a close friendship, and Alfred may have wanted to marry her. However, Bertha was already engaged to Baron Arthur von Suttner, whom she later married. Bertha von Suttner was a pacifist and novelist, whose ideals likely influenced Alfred. She wrote Lay Down Your Arms (1889), one of the most influential anti-war novels of the 19th century. It is believed her advocacy played a role in Alfred's decision to include the Peace Prize in his will. Alfred already troubled by the destructive uses of his inventions, sought to mitigate som of the harm through his legacy. The will When Alfred Nobel passed away in 1896, he left behind what was then the world's largest private fortune - 31,5 million Swedish crowns. His will instructed the creation of a fund whose interest would annually reward those who had "conferred the greatest benefit on mankind." The prizes would be awarded within the fields of physics, chemistry, medicine or physiology, literature and peace. The Peace Prize, uniquely, was to be awarded by the Norwegian Nobel Committee. In Sweden his will sparked a lengthy legal battle with the Nobel family. Once resolved, the Nobel Foundation was established in 1900, and the first prizes were awarded in 1901. The first Literature Prize was awarded to French poet and essayist Sully Prudhomme. Selma Lagerlöf, the first woman to receive the Literature Prize, was honour in 1909. Bertha von Suttner, became the first female Peace Prize laureate in 1905. Today, the Nobel Prizes remain one of the world’s highest honors, celebrating individuals who leave a profound and positive impact on humanity.

Second hand books I love going to second hand shops. More and more people discover the pleasure of shopping there. It is exciting, since you never know what to find. An ordinary shop has a theme, a certain kind of goods, but here, you can find anything. Especially, when it comes to books. Often there are even new books on the shelves. But, what I enjoy is when you find a rarity, a book that you probably cannot find in an ordinary book shop anymore. There might be classics, books you missed to read when you were younger, and thought you could not get hold of anymore. The shelves for nonfiction sometimes hide unique books on a theme you are interested in. I often find interesting historical books there. In Sweden books are very expensive so to find a book in a second hand shop is a good deal. Are you a customer of second hand shops? In the English speaking world there seem to be a lot of thrift shops for books, alas, not so much in Sweden. While in Ireland, earlier this year, I visited Charlie Byrne's Bookshop in Galway, which is said to be Ireland’s best-loved, independent bookshop. My review, and a list of the fantastic books I found, under the link.

I have been to Oslo for a couple of days. Always nice to visit, even in the winter. I did not have time to read anything, and reading has been very slow in December. So far I have not finished even one book. The good news is that Netflix has adapted Gabriel García Márquez' novel One Hundred Years of Solitude into a TV-series. I read the novel some years ago and loved it. It is not an easy read, you have to rest in between the chapters. Márquez magic realism takes you into an almost crazy world, but you can't help loving the peculiar family of Buendía as you follow them over generations. Márquez got the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982, " for his novels and short stories, in which the fantastic and the realistic are combined in a richly composed world of imagination, reflecting a continent's life and conflicts ." The novel has one of the best first lines in literature. It is quite remarkable. “ Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendía was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice. ”

Today is the Saint Lucia day, a Swedish tradition leading up to Christmas. Lucia brings warmth and light in the darkness that is prevailing this time of the year. But, where does the custom come from? The Origins Lucia's roots are a fascinating blend of history, myth, and culture. The celebration honors Saint Lucia, a Christian martyr from 3rd-century Sicily, known for her compassion and bravery. According to legend, Lucia secretly brought food to persecuted Christians hiding in the Roman catacombs, wearing a wreath of candles to free her hands. In Scandinavia, her story was mixed with local folklore about light conquering darkness during the long winters. The date, December 13th, was significant in the Julian calendar as the winter solstice, marking the year’s longest night. Over centuries, Lucia became a symbol of hope, light, and generosity, and is deeply rooted in Swedish traditions. Celebrations today Lucia Day in Sweden begins early, with Lucia processions (Luciatåg) taking place in schools, workplaces, and churches. Each procession features a "Lucia" dressed in a white gown with a red sash and a crown of candles (these days often electric for safety!). She is accompanied by attendants, known as "tärnor" (maidens), "stjärngossar" (star boys), and sometimes even "pepparkaksgubbar" (gingerbread men). The procession sings traditional Lucia songs, including the iconic Sankta Lucia , filling the air with hauntingly beautiful melodies. It's not uncommon for families to wake up to the sound of children singing, offering saffron buns ( lussekatter ) and gingerbread cookies. If you want to see what it is all about, go to youtube and search for Sankta Lucia Sweden.

There are some favourite authors where I am thinking of reading all, or, at least most of their works. For now, I am trying to go through the collection of three authors. Agatha Christie I think this lady does not need any further introduction. I have mostly seen TV-series of films of her works, but never really read very much. It is a pleasure to read her works. They are sometimes rather easygoing, one could even say simple, but to solve the crimes is really difficult. She wrote 66 novels and 14 short story collections. I have so far read 29 novels and short stories. There will still be a few to read in 2025. Donna Leon Donna Leon is mostly famous for her crime novels set in Venice. Her protagonist is Commissario Guido Brunetti. A smooth Italian detective with no illusions about either crime or politics. Great novels, especially if you love Venice. She wrote 33 novels about Brunetti. There are also a few nonfiction books by her, but I concentrate on the Venice set. I have so far read 13 novels. Daphne du Maurier Another interesting author, and not within the crime genre. du Maurier is more into historical fiction as well as nonfiction. Rebecca is probably her most famous novel. She also wrote The Birds , a short story, on which Hitchcook based his famous film. I think she wrote 33 books, including short stories and nonfiction. I have so far read 12 of them.

Today I am reading a blog post from my blogging friend Jeanie over at The Marmelade Gypsy She and her partner Rick were recently visiting England and have given us a few posts from their trip. This post (linked above) is about their visit to the British Library. While reading I was thinking that I actually never visited the British Library. What a mistake. It seems you can easily get a day pass for the reading room if you want to do some research. You can also visit the Treasure room and discover old copies of Shakespeare, Beowulf as well as a Gutenberg bible from 1455. There are also notes from famous composers, handwritten notes from famous authors and a lot more. On top of my list for my next visit to London? Yes, the British Library.

My favourite cooking books One of my favourite cooking books is Nigella Express. Nigella Lawson shares her fast recipies in this book. I think none of the recipes take longer than half an hour to make. There is something for all situations; in busy daily life, as for a weekend treat with friends. I have used her recipes for many years and they never disappoint. Another celebrity cook that is a favourite is Jamie Oliver. I have several of his books, and his recipes always work. I think only one dish did not turn out as well as it should, but otherwise, they are easy to make and ends up on your plate as they should ... and tasting good. I like his no-nonsense way of cooking.

Today I have been to a second hand shop to buy a few Christmas presents. We, that is, my family, decided to buy second hand Christmas presents. Usually, you can find some nice presents there. You never know what to find, so it is always exciting. I will not eveal exatly what I bought, except for the fact that I found seven books for myself. Even without any effort, because I did not really want to add any more book to my TBRs. Well, things happens sometimes. I am quite pleased with the books which were: From bottom to top. Vävda tapeter (Woven Tapestries) by Jack Lindblom. A book that looks at tapestries as "historical documents", and they are like paintings. I am looking forward to learn more about this art. Otroliga historier (Incredible stories) by Birgitta Petrén is a book about the Skåne (Scania) as it belonged to Denmark. The history is very intersting and I am looking forward to learn more about this time. Ljus och skugga (Facing the Light) by Adèle Geras. Set in a splendid country house in England, this rich and absorbing novel begins as Leonora, daughter of a famous Edwardian painter, is about to throw herself a huge house party to celebrate her 75th birthday. Guests will include her two grown daughters and their spouses (and lovers), a film crew making a movie about Leonora's father, and numerous family legends. Even happy families have their secrets, and Leonora's stunning revelations make for thrilling reading. Musik & tystnad (Music & Silence) by Rose Tremain. Set in seventeenth-century Denmark, Rose Tremain's dazzling, prize-winning tale is a pungently atmospheric, richly provocative, and masterfully orchestrated romance of point and counterpoint: loyalty and deception...tenderness and violence...community and alienation...peace and conflict..."Music & Silence." Peter Claire is an English lutenist summoned to Denmark to join King Christian IV's royal orchestra. Designated the king's "Angel" because of the purity of his physical beauty, Peter falls helplessly in love with the lovely companion of Queen Kirsten, the king's adulterous wife. The young musician finds himself dangerously torn between loyalties, ensnared in the deep-seated unrest of a royal court where the forces of good and evil, of harmony and dissonance, are ensconced in a battle to the death. Husmoderns rådgivare (The Housemaid's Advisor) av Kerstin Wenström. A book from 1924 with advices for the "modern" woman. It is always interesting to read these kind of books, on the "work" that women had to do in the old days. Jag såg kärleken och döden (I saw love and death) av Erik Eriksson. A Swedish journalist who reported from the Vietnam war. He experience bombing and fightings first hand, and saw lovers adieu in Hanoi. I thought it could be an interesting book to read, since we are visiting Vietnam at the beginning of 2025. Skånes historia i årtal, från 550 till 1720 (Scania's history in years, from 559 to 1720) by Jonny Ambrius. A history of the area where I live is always interesting. It is also good to use as a dictionary when you want to know what happened a special year. These were the books I found without even looking closer on all the books they had in the shop.

"I think books are like people, in the sense that they’ll turn up in your life when you most need them." – Emma Thompson That is true. Sometimes when you are down and out a good novel can take you into the right track again.