Charming diary answers the question of who kissed Åke

Ellen Strömberg's latest middle-grade novel, "Hösten från helvetet: Ebba Blaus dagbok," invites readers into the world of a 12-year-old girl navigating the complexities of starting sixth grade and facing an upcoming move from Finland to Umeå, Sweden. The book adopts a diary format, a tradition seen in Swedish children's literature through works like Astrid Lindgren's "Britt-Marie lättar sitt hjärta" and Barbro Lindgren's "Jättehemligt."

Ebba, the protagonist, is determined to shed her "nerd" image and become a "cool queen" before the move. She seeks out Lydia, the most popular girl in class, distancing herself from her old friends Nelly and Laban. Ebba's diary entries reflect a modern sensibility, inspired by social media influencers and their morning routines, as she humorously muses about what they might write in their journals.

“

I got the idea for a diary from TikTok. All the girls there always write in your 'journal' in the morning and I never understood what they write about, but maybe they have jobs and stuff. Laundry times to remember or recipes for granola, I don't know.

The novel delves into the typical adolescent preoccupations with identity, idols, and social dynamics. The reviewer highlights the engaging narrative, filled with questions about social interactions: "What did Nelly really say to Lydia? Who was kissing Åke? Has Laban started her period?" The humor and relatable situations evoke a sense of enjoyment similar to reading the "Bert" books by Anders Jacobsson and Sören Olsson, but with a greater emphasis on finely crafted character portraits and a vibrant storytelling style that avoids stereotypes.

While acknowledging that the diary format might not be entirely realistic, particularly with its abundance of dialogue, the reviewer finds that it doesn't detract from the overall experience. Ebba's voice feels authentic, making "Hösten från helvetet" a charming and insightful portrayal of early adolescence, filled with relatable struggles and a refreshing dose of humor.

“

What did Nelly really say to Lydia? Who was kissing Åke? Has Laban started her period?