Sensitively & Beautifully Written

A Scandinavian Summer by Helga Jensen is a most delightful contemporary novel that made me laugh whilst tugging at my heartstrings.

Loss is hard whenever it strikes. There are different kinds of loss. The novel explores this theme. We follow a forty nine year old character who suddenly finds herself alone. Her identity as a wife and a mother is questioned – who is she if she is not fulfilling those roles?

The novel has the twin themes of bravery and stepping out into something new. As a character broadens her horizons, she begins to find her joy again. “I’m happy! I never thought I’d say those words.”

With new-found joy comes guilt. How dare she be happy to be alive. She needs to learn to live again and not feel guilt for smiling.