Whom Do Norwegians Consider the Most Respected Author in Nordic Noir?

Why the term 'Nordic Noir' isn't commonly used in Norway, and why Norwegian authors may not fit the genre definition.

The Inception of 'Nordic Noir'

The term 'Nordic Noir' or 'Scandinavian Noir' has gained prominence in the global literary scene, often used to describe crime fiction from countries like Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland. However, within the context of Norway, there seems to be confusion and resistance towards this definition. Let's explore the reasons behind this.

The Misuse of Terminology

The problem with terms like 'Nordic Noir' stems from the fact that the genre's name is rarely used in Norwegian literature. According to resources like Wikipedia, there is no mention of 'Nordic Noir' in the Norwegian context. This is in contrast to the English Wikipedia, which uses the term 'Nordic Noir' to describe Norwegian authors like Kjell Ola Dahl.

Contradictions in Global Terminology

For example, the Danish and Swedish Wikipedia entries also fail to use 'Nordic Noir,' instead opting to describe 'hardboiled' genres typical of American literature. Furthermore, the Swedish Wikipedia entry explicitly states that its 'Scandinavian Noir' article is heavily borrowed from the English Wikipedia.

The Literary Realism of Norwegian Crime Fiction

Within the Norwegian literary landscape, crime fiction is seen as a distinct genre with its roots in American crime novels but adapted to local realities. Taking Gunnar Staalesen, for instance, the notion of 'noir' doesn't fit his work. Staalesen's Bergen is described with great detail and realism, incorporating metaphors and local flavors far from the terse narratives often associated with the term 'noir.'

A Closer Look at Norwegian Homicides

The statistics paint a different picture. Between 2012 and 2017, Norway saw a decline in homicides, with 25 murders in 2017, of which 80% were domestic or related to alcohol/drug abuse. This reality is far from the typical 'noir' depiction, which often involves premeditated murders and a complex social surface.

The Respect for Norwegian Authors

Despite the lack of a clear 'Nordic Noir' identity, there is still recognition for certain outstanding Norwegian crime novelists. One of the most respected Norwegian authors, according to Norwegian critics and peers, is Karin Fossum. Her work is widely-admired and often seen as a key figure in the industry, reflecting a more realistic and socially critical approach to crime fiction.

Respective Authors in Other Nordic Countries

In Sweden, the respected crime writer is commonly acknowledged as Henning Mankell. However, in countries like Finland, Iceland, and Denmark, there isn't a clear consensus on 'the most respected author.' For instance, the Danish crime novel that the author translated signals a closer connection to the reality of crime in Denmark, rather than following the path of 'Nordic Noir.'

The Presence in TV Series

Interestingly, there does exist one category of content that aligns more closely with the 'noir' theme. Nordic TV series, particularly those with gritty realism and complex plots, such as 'ófre' (Trapped) by Baltasar Kormákur, have gained a lot of critical acclaim and resemble more the 'Nordic Noir' stereotype, though still local in content.

Conclusion

In the end, the term 'Nordic Noir' appears to be more of a marketing term borrowed from the American literary scene, far from the domestic reality and literary preferences of the Nordic countries. While Norwegian crime authors may not fully fit the genre definition, they bring a rich and diverse narrative rooted in their unique social and cultural context.