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The publisher broke up with Per Marius Weidner-Olsen when they learned of a previous criminal conviction against him. – Too bad for new readers, says the author himself.
Per Marius Weidner-Olsen made his debut with the novel “I grew up almost like it was mine” this summer. He is now nominated for the Brage Award. Photo: Dan P. Neegaard
The nominees for the Brage Prize were announced Thursday morning. It is a prestigious award that will honor new Norwegian literature. Among the nominated fiction writers, one name has received more attention than others this month.
Per Marius Weidner-Olsen has been nominated for his debut novel I grew up almost like mine.
The other nominated authors in the category are Beate Grimsrud, Vigdis Hjorth, and Olaug Nilssen. See the data box for more information.
also read
Read our interview with Weidner-Olsen: Touch on the notion of the perfect façade of Bærum.
He did not say about the criminal conviction.
I grew up almost like mine is one of the most critically acclaimed novels of this year.
Earlier this month, Forlaget Oktober broke up with the author and said they would not print any more editions of the book. They also broke the collaboration with the author. The reason was that Weidner-Olsen did not tell the publisher that he had been previously convicted.
Weidner-Olsen’s novel is partly about the sexual abuse of minors.
In 2003, Weidner-Olsen was convicted of abusing a trusting relationship with a person over the age of 16. The penalty is up to five years. Weidner-Olsen was sentenced to 120 days in prison. 30 days were unconditional.
Since the publisher broke up the collaboration, the book is hard to get now. Weidner-Olsen’s attorney, Hans Marius Graasvold, tells NRK that the book is out of print.
You have been offered the rights
Weidner-Olsen has reported a possible claim for compensation against Forlaget Oktober after they broke up with him.
Editorial director Ingeri Engelstad at Forlaget Oktober tells Aftenposten that the publisher has offered Weidner-Olsen to regain the rights to the book immediately.
“A sad and lonely feeling”
Weidner-Olsen comments on the nomination in a text message to Aftenposten:
“I am proud and happy on behalf of the novel. So it’s a shame to new readers that the publisher has decided not to print or market the book any more. Author and book are from yesterday, otherwise without a publisher by arrangement. It gives a feeling of sadness and loneliness. “
Beyond this, he will not comment on the case.
Represents abuse
When Weidner-Olsen was interviewed by Aftenposten in August, he spoke about his own upbringing.
– There was a certain range of experiences, actions and impressions. What my experiences are is irrelevant anyway, but you clearly get material from a background. The book claims only its fictitious character. If I want to say factual things, in any case it will have the character of fiction and illusion, Weidner-Olsen said then.
The author has denied that the book deals with the verdict against him. Write this in an article in NRK.
Weidner-Olsen is a trained religious historian. He has worked as a Norwegian teacher for almost 20 years. He grew up in Haslum in Bærum and lives in Nøtterøy.
A gloomy and unpleasant glow
The Brage jury believes that credible and nuanced reflections are among the main qualities of I grew up almost like mine. The jury consisted of literary critics Gro Jørstad Nilsen from Bergens Tidende and Bjørn Ivar Fyksen from Klassekampen, Camilla Tvedt from Norli Libris and Sindre H. Søreide from Fjaler Folkebibliotek.
The rationale reads: “Weidner-Olsen’s novel is heartbreaking and enlightening, with a grim and unpleasant sheen.”
Kari Marstein is the leader of the Brager Council. She tells Aftenposten that she is neutral regarding nominations and that she has not been involved in the nomination process herself.
– How has the uproar around the book affected the nomination?
– I do not know. This is an internal matter for the jury and the result of their internal discussions.
The case will be updated.
