Writing via the library

What role can literature play in a person’s life? And what reading shapes a writing? Checkout 19 by British author Claire-Louise Bennett is about a working-class girl who becomes a reader and allows herself to be formed by literature. In a way, this is a creation story where destruction constantly threatens and thereby paraphrases “all are from the dust, and all return to dust”.

Bennett grew up in the English county of Wiltshire before moving to Ireland, where she has lived for many years. Her debut novel Pond appeared in 2016, was shortlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize and enjoyed an enthusiastic reception in several countries. “So powerful that you almost can’t believe it’s true,” wrote VG.

Bennett will be interviewed by Ida Lødemel Tvedt, and the conversation will be in English.