The Weight of Words: From Almqvist’s Timeless Criticisms to Contemporary Dystopias and Literary Landscapes
C.J.L. Almqvist, a prominent 19th-century Swedish writer, remains remarkably relevant in his observations on societal issues, particularly regarding education and the devaluation of literature. His critique of the Swedish school system in 1839 resonates even today, highlighting the persistent excuse of lacking funds while resources are misallocated to less essential functions. Almqvist’s pointed commentary on the misuse of public funds for personal gain strikes a chord with contemporary concerns about bureaucratic inefficiency and corruption. His empathetic recognition of teachers, whose value is often overlooked, further underscores the enduring nature of the challenges faced by educators.
Beyond education, Almqvist laments the decline of reading and literature, asserting that those who find classic works like the Bible, Snorre Sturlasson, and Homer dull are not judging the texts, but rather exposing their own lack of literary appreciation. He humorously employs a grammatical exercise, conjugating the phrase "I am without taste," to emphasize the self-reflexive nature of such dismissals. This witty approach serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of cultivating literary taste and engaging with foundational texts.
Transitioning to the present day, the article highlights a curious initiative by the British Ministry of Defence, which convened a group of science fiction writers to brainstorm dystopian scenarios. The apparent goal was to anticipate potential future threats. However, the endeavor has drawn mockery from other science fiction authors, who argue that real-world events already surpass the bleakest fictional imaginings. The example of a widespread power outage trapping electric car drivers pales in comparison to the unsettling reality of powerful figures exhibiting erratic behavior on the global stage.
This skepticism towards the Ministry of Defence’s approach echoes Ursula K. Le Guin’s advice to writers: focus on describing what they observe, both in the real world and their imaginations, rather than attempting to preach or predict. Le Guin’s wisdom underscores the power of observation and the potential for fiction to illuminate existing realities rather than speculate on hypothetical futures. The intersection of reality and fiction becomes further blurred with the increasing absurdity of current events, rendering speculative fiction almost redundant in its attempt to depict dystopian possibilities.
Meanwhile, in the literary world, the article notes the growing presence of Norwegian authors on the Dagens Nyheter critics’ list, with Niels Fredrik Dahl’s award-winning novel "Fars rygg" (Father’s Back) being the latest addition. This observation, coupled with the mention of wanting to prioritize one’s own personal library based on what should be read and held close, hints at the ongoing influence of Scandinavian literature. The article then transitions to a list of top ten books, highlighting a diverse range of works from various genres and nationalities.
The listed books include: Neige Sinno’s "Tvingad tiger" (Forced Tiger), a poignant exploration of childhood trauma; Carl Frode Tiller’s "Inringning" (Encirclement), a Norwegian coming-of-age story; Gerald Murnane’s "Inlandet" (Inland), a meditative reflection on Australian and Hungarian landscapes; Peter Pomerantsev’s "Att vinna ett informationskrig" (Winning an Information War), an analysis of contemporary information warfare; Thuan’s "Hissen i Saigon" (The Elevator in Saigon), a Vietnamese novel weaving together imperialism and exile within a crime thriller framework; Maria Bodin’s "Kristinafragment" (Christina Fragments), a poetic exploration of Queen Christina; Niels Fredrik Dahl’s "Fars rygg"; Laurence Sterne’s "Tristram Shandy," a classic 18th-century novel; Layla Martínez’s "Carcoma" (Woodworm), a Spanish horror novel; and Magnhild Haalke’s "Allis son" (Alli’s Son), a Norwegian tragedy. This diverse selection reflects the breadth and depth of contemporary literature, offering readers a glimpse into a multitude of voices and perspectives.
