Bogormen

Title: Karen-Kurér (Karen Courier)
Author: Estrid Ott
Genre: Classic, WW2
Rating: 5/5
# pages: 128
Date read: October, 2017

A YA novel based on true events that occurred in Elsinore, Denmark during World War II. The main character, Vips - a.k.a. Karen Courier - helps her brothers in the resistance movement by passing on documents, photos and films, helping Jews and others to Sweden and generally doing all she can to annoy the Germans.

I was introduced to this book as a child and cannot count the number of times I've read it - so it actually came as a surprise to see that I hadn't added it to Goodreads yet, as that means I haven't read it since 2002 or before!!! About time I remedied that! Estrid Ott is one of my favourite authors, and this is one of my favourite books by her. She really makes the every-day life during the war come to life, and I read most of the book with a lump in my throat.

Title: Ungen (The Kid) (Reden #2)
Author: Estrid Ott
Genre: YA
Rating: 4/5
# pages: 156
Date read: October, 2014

"Ungen" is the sequel to "Reden". When Ulla comes back home after years abroad, she is horrified to find that her darling little sister "Ungen" has been spoiled beyond recognition. It is now up to Ulla and her other siblings to turn Ungen into a true member of the Lund family.

I remember being rather disappointed the first time I read this, because all the lovely mischief and camaderie of "Reden" had disappeared. As I grew older, I started appreciating it more, and while I still don't think it is anywhere near as good as the first book, I do enjoy it just the same.

Apparently there's a third book in the series as well, but I don't think I've ever read that one.

Title: Reden (The Nest)
Author: Estrid Ott
Genre: YA, Classic
Rating: 5/5
# pages: 148
Date read: October, 2014

The story of a poor organist, his wife and their 5 kids who always get into adventures.

Estrid Ott was one of my favourite authors growing up, and it's so gratifying to see that her books still stand the test of time. I've read this book times beyond number since I first discovered it in my (very) early teens. It's a lovely story about a family who support each other through thick and thin and who - of course - always come out on top. A lovely feel-good book that I always close with a happy sigh :)

Title: Gerd og gadedrengene (Gerd and the boys of the street)
Author: Estrid Ott
Genre: Classics, YA
Rating: 10/10
# pages: 151
Date read: November 2007, July 2015

Summary: Long-legged Gerd is doing research in the field just like her author father, because she wants to write a book of her own. Only she doesn't need to travel abroad, she can just go out her front door and suddenly she's part of a completely different world - a world governed by the kids who rule the streets of Copenhagen.

Gerd is a reckless girl whose aunt has troubles controlling her while her parents are abroad; but she's healthy, natural and has a strong moral code. Her reflections on life and people in general are wonderfully un-snobbish and droll when coming from her matter-of-fact outlook on life.

Review: I first read "Gerd og gadedrengene" when I was in my pre-teens, and it's still one of my favourite books. Estrid Ott is an amazing Danish author, and her books are always filled with charming and amusing anecdotes from her personal life. This is my favourite book by her and although it's a children's book I still read it every or every second year. It's a quick read and one that never fails to put me in a good mood. I absolutely adore it.

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