Tribute to Tove Ditlevsen – 50 Years Later
In connection with International Women’s Day on March 8 and the 50th anniversary of Tove Ditlevsen’s death on March 7, 1976, the Foundation for Danish-Norwegian Cooperation invites you to “A Tribute to Tove Ditlevsen – 50 Years Later” at Lysebu.
Tove Ditlevsen is considered one of Denmark’s most significant authors. Her books have experienced a renaissance in recent years – also in Norway – and her uncompromising portrayals of childhood, marriage, and addiction continue to reach new readers. What makes Ditlevsen’s texts so timeless?
Three of the Nordic region’s strongest voices – Vigdis Hjorth, Tove Nilsen, and Dorthe Nors – who all have a close relationship with Tove Ditlevsen, will together attempt to illuminate this. In a conversation led by Tove Nilsen, the trio of authors will explore, among other things:
• Ditlevsen’s place in the Nordic literary heritage
• Female experience and artistic courage
• Vulnerability as strength
• Why Ditlevsen still moves us – 50 years later
• What today’s female authors owe her
The evening will also feature short readings, before the conversation concludes with questions from the audience.
Practical Information
The event lasts two hours, including an intermission with the opportunity to purchase refreshments.
Free admission.
Registration: anne@dansk-norsk.no.
Welcome!
About Tove Ditlevsen
Tove Ditlevsen (1917–1976) was a Danish author and poet, known for her autobiographical writing that explored women’s identity, childhood memories, loss, and mental illness. She is considered one of Denmark’s most significant authors. Particularly in recent years, her works have gained new relevance, including through film adaptations such as “Tove’s Room” and increased focus on mental health.
Dorthe Nors is one of Denmark’s most recognized contemporary authors, known for her sharp, minimalist prose, which often draws connections to Ditlevsen’s style and themes. Nors acknowledges Ditlevsen as a fundamental part of the Danish literary canon and as an author who opened doors for speaking honestly about women’s lives.
Vigdis Hjorth is one of Norway’s most recognized and central authors. Her autofictional and revealing novels have created both debate and enthusiasm. Hjorth has repeatedly engaged with Ditlevsen’s literature, including in the novel “If Only” and the essay collection “Joy and Peril.” She has also given lectures about the Danish author.
Tove Nilsen is one of Norway’s most recognized authors. She debuted in 1974 with the novel “Never Let Them Dress You Defenseless and Naked” and has since published numerous novels, essay collections, and more. Nilsen also has a background as a literary critic. Nilsen is a great admirer of Tove Ditlevsen and has participated in several conversations about Ditlevsen’s authorship.
