Found

A novel by Ma Oftedal

Cardboard - 256 pages

A standalone sequel to Ma Oftedal's first novel "Älskad", which was published in 1983.

Valter was back in Stockholm after three decades of traveling the world as a photographer. He had fled the capital after several dramatic events but was now called here to attend a funeral at Skogskyrkogården. Valter did not know the deceased woman, but for some reason she had left him an inheritance.

As he walked towards Skanstull, he thought about his old friends, Mia and Kåge, from their time studying in Uppsala. Where were they now, were they still priests?

Two hours left. Valter felt uneasy about the ceremony, he hated everything to do with death. But his curiosity about what the inheritance meant was greater. Tonight he would be back in Copenhagen, if nothing unforeseen happened.

Review from Library Service:

Häftepos 14103419, lecturer Kristina Albinsson

" Valter, terrified of death, inherits a funeral home and finds an adult daughter. Kåge, who at the beginning of the story is still working as a priest, leaves the church and finds love. Sonny, who is struggling with his alcoholism, enters the story when Mia's boarding house burns down. Much of the book reflects Oftedal's own life; she lost her priesthood after the publication of Doxa (1996). Her motto "dare to take the leap" characterizes the story, where the dogmatic church is strongly criticized and heartfelt love is praised. The language flows easily and despite the events being predictable, it is an enjoyable read with fine character sketches."

Excerpt from the book:

Valter listened attentively and in surprise. A question burned within him.

"Axel, what was my grandmother's business in Stockholm?"

The lawyer closed his eyes, took a deep breath, smiled and said:

"She ran a very successful funeral home in western Södermalm. It has been owned by your family for several hundred years."

"A funeral home!" Valter exclaimed in surprise. "The apple doesn't fall far... is this possible?"

Very tired but with a big smile, the lawyer agreed.

"That's correct. 'Aveelen's Funeral Home' on Björngårdsgatan. Your grandmother's last will was that you should inherit the properties. But there is a condition that you must fulfill before the title deed becomes yours. You must start the business again and run it profitably for two years. The premises have been empty for many years, it needs renovation. That's right, I forgot to add, the properties you inherit also include a small residence and a billiards parlor."

When he waved Axel off, Valter sat down on a bench in Kungsträdgården and stared blankly ahead. What had happened that day? Well, he had buried the ashes of his grandmother who had run a funeral home and adjacent billiard hall. A small residence was part of the property. The van den Aveelen family had roots in Sweden since the seventeenth century and Valter was now the heir to all of this. Of course, there was no way he would fulfill the condition, completely out of the question, but to inherit half a block on Söder, at least for a day, was crazy great!

Suddenly he felt as if a champagne cork had been blown out of his throat. His insides bubbled and out came a laughter that could not be stopped. People stared at him anxiously as they passed, but the heir continued to laugh uncontrollably.

Ma Ofteda in Nyhetsmorgon, TV4:

Ma Oftedal in Swedish Radio; People and Faith:

Ma Oftedal with Erik Blixt, Swedish Radio P4 Extra:

Ma Oftedal; report in Expressen Nov. -13: