What is a real Sami? This is what thirteen-year-old Agnes wonders when she visits her grandparents in Soppero in the north of Sweden. Because even though she doesn’t speak the language, or has her own kolt, the traditional Sami costume, she wants to ...
What is a real Sami? This is what thirteen-year-old Agnes wonders when she visits her grandparents in Soppero in the north of Sweden. Because even though she doesn’t speak the language, or has her own kolt, the traditional Sami costume, she wants to belong.
As always, Agnes is a little different. In Stockholm, where she lives, she isn’t like the others, because she is Sami. And in Soppero, among the Samis, she is a Stockholm girl. They even call her That Stockholm Girl, even though she is half Sami and is trying to learn the language and the traditions.
But with Henrik, Agnes feels at home. At least until Henrik’s mom decides that he is not allowed to hang out with half-Samis.
In Hello Beautiful, Ann-Helén Laestadius writes with sensitivity about first love, and about a search for identity. Regardless of your background, Hello Beautiful is a book that will fill you with a sense of recognition.
Ann-Helén Laestadius is a Sami from Kiruna, but since ten years, she lives in Stockholm.
She has worked as a journalist since 1990. She now works as a freelance writer and lectures about her books, and about Samis, language, and identity.
Her 2007 debut novel, SMS från Soppero (Text Messages from Soppero) received great reviews. (Podium)
SvD about SMS från Soppero:
“The problem with identity is universal and many people with double cultural identities can find themselves in this book.”
Reader voices about SMS från Soppero:
“This book is the best one I’ve read!! Good from the first page to the last ; A must read!! I hope there will be a continuation!! There must be a continuation!”
“A great book! Would really like to see a continuation. I think the book fits from like ten and up. Read it!”
Age: 11+