Book List Week 35: Guillou Scandal, Gramsci Monsters, Techno-Feudalists, Drugs, and a Lund Publisher

This week's book list, curated by Dagens Nyheter, offers a diverse selection including two new literary works, a deep dive into a publishing scandal, and explorations of philosophical and societal themes. The commentary highlights Jan Guillou's 1971 debut novel, 'Om kriget kommer,' and the controversies that marked its release.

Guillou's preface suggests he could have been a fine author but chose a political path. The book's initial publication faced significant backlash, leading to the destruction of its first print run. The controversy stemmed from a line criticizing David Ben-Gurion's alleged war crimes. Even a later pocket edition, with the offending sentence removed, triggered a reaction from a newspaper owner, resulting in the temporary closure of its cultural section.

The review also introduces Hanna Nordenhök's new novel, 'Det underjordiska biblioteket.' A striking passage features the protagonist's intellectual father, reading Antonio Gramsci while intoxicated. He quotes Gramsci with the line, "The old world is dying and the new struggles to be born. Now is the time of monsters." This quote, resonating with contemporary anxieties, is presented as particularly apt, though the article notes its potential difference from the original Italian phrasing.

The piece frames these literary discussions within a broader context of societal commentary, touching upon themes of political choices, censorship, and the enduring relevance of philosophical ideas in understanding current times. The author's critical stance is evident in their analysis of the events and texts presented.

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The old world is dying and the new struggles to be born. Now is the time of monsters.