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Best Books About Sweden

Delve into Sweden's rich history, culture, and beauty through these compelling reads, aggregated from leading book blogs and ranked by frequency of recommendations.

Recommendations from 24 articles, Stephen King, Peter King, Imani Gandy and 7 others.
38 books on the list
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The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo book cover
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Stieg Larsson - 2008-09-23 (first published in 2005)
Goodreads Rating
Discover a thrilling murder mystery that combines family saga, love story, and financial intrigue in one complex yet atmospheric novel. Follow journalist Mikael Blomkvist and the enigmatic hacker Lisbeth Salander as they delve deep into a dark world of corruption to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of a wealthy family scion over 40 years ago. Don't miss out on this satisfyingly entertaining read.
Recommended by
Imani Gandy
A Man Called Ove book cover
A Man Called Ove
A Novel
Fredrik Backman - 2014-07-15 (first published in 2012)
Goodreads Rating
An unexpected friendship blooms in this heartwarming tale about a grumpy yet endearing man whose world is turned upside down when a boisterous family moves in next door. Despite his tough exterior, there's a story and sadness behind his curmudgeonly ways. Get ready for a comical and touching story about the transformative power of friendship and community.
The Emigrants book cover
The Emigrants
The Emigrant Novels
Vilhelm Moberg - 1995-09-15 (first published in 1949)
Goodreads Rating
This book follows the lives of early Swedish pioneers in America and portrays the joys and tragedies of their daily life. The author, Vilhelm Moberg, extensively researched the papers of Swedish emigrants and incorporated many details of pioneer life. The four books were intended to be read as documentary novels and include introductions by experts in Swedish history. Book 1 introduces Karl Oskar and Kristina Nilsson, along with their three young children and eleven others who make up a resolute party of Swedes fleeing poverty, religious persecution, and social oppression of Småland in 1850. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Swedish emigration to America.
Pippi Longstocking book cover
Pippi Longstocking
Astrid Lindgren - 2005-04-21 (first published in 1945)
Goodreads Rating
Childhood adventures come alive in this story about a red-headed, independent young girl named Pippi Longstocking. Join Tommy and Annika as they uncover the world of horses, monkeys, and even the circus with their adventurous new neighbor. "A rollicking story" that's perfect for young readers.
Let Me In book cover
Let Me In
John Ajvide Lindqvist - 2007-01-01 (first published in 2004)
Goodreads Rating
Enter the chilling world of Let Me In - a story set in 1981, following the terrifying discovery of a drained teenage boy. Oskar, a twelve-year-old victim of school bullies, is eager for revenge. But, a new neighbor catches his attention - a girl who possesses an unusual talent yet appears only at night. As their friendship deepens, Oskar is forced to confront a terrifying reality about his new companion. Dive into this horror tale of friendship, obsession, and the supernatural.
Recommended by
Stephen King
The Almost Nearly Perfect People book cover
The Almost Nearly Perfect People
Behind the Myth of the Scandinavian Utopia
Michael Booth - 2014-01-01
Goodreads Rating
Explore the Nordic countries like never before with this fascinating book by Michael Booth. Frustrated by the rose-tinted view of Scandinavia, Booth embarks on a journey through all five countries to discover who these "curious tribes" are and what they really think about each other. From the secrets of their success to their quirks and foibles, Booth offers a nuanced and often darker picture of this region. Discover why the Danes are so happy, whether the Finns really have the best education system, and why all of them hate the Swedes.
Recommended by
Brianne Kimmel
NILS book cover
NILS
The Wonderful Adventures of NILS and The Further Adventures of Nils Holgersson
Selma Lagerlöf - 1995-06-13 (first published in 1906)
Goodreads Rating
Take an imaginative journey through Sweden with this beloved classic children's book. Originally commissioned to teach geography to Swedish schoolchildren, the story follows a mischievous imp who is magically reduced to elf size and joins a flock of wild geese flying a route covering the significant geographical and historical sites of Sweden. Along the way, they encounter predator and victim, friend and foe, and the environmental impact of humankind. Told in a series of narratives by Nobel-prize-winning author Selma Lagerlof, this combined edition of two adventures is perfect for both children and adults who love the enchantment of storytelling. Plus, ten new pages about Selma Lagerlof and Sweden added with three landscape photos.
City of My Dreams book cover
City of My Dreams
Per Anders Fogelström - 1995-01-01 (first published in 1960)
Goodreads Rating
Experience the changing times and new possibilities of Stockholm in the late 1800s through the eyes of a group of working-class people on Södermalm. The first book in Per Anders Fogelström's best-selling five-volume Stockholm Series, City of My Dreams follows the journey of a young man named Henning who arrives in the city of his dreams. Thanks to Jennifer Brown Baverstam's translation efforts, English readers now have access to this beloved Swedish classic.
DK Eyewitness Sweden book cover
DK Eyewitness Sweden
Eyewitness - 2011-03-21 (first published in 2005)
Goodreads Rating
Explore the stunning beauty of Sweden with this updated travel guide. Packed with full-color photographs, maps, and hand-drawn illustrations, you'll discover easy-to-follow walks, tours, and itineraries to help plan your adventure. From must-see attractions to hidden gems and insider tips, this guide covers every corner of Sweden, including Stockholm to Svealand, Gothenburg to Götaland. Whether you're looking for the best spots to eat, drink, shop, or stay, this expert advice has got you covered. Lightweight and compact, this paperback guide is perfect to take with you on your travels.
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared book cover
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared
Jonas Jonasson - 2012-09-11 (first published in 2009)
Goodreads Rating
This charming novel follows 100-year-old Allan Karlsson as he escapes his nursing home and embarks on a hilarious, unexpected adventure. Allan has lived a truly eventful life, having played a key role in some of the most important events of the 20th century. This quirky and unique read is sure to captivate readers looking for a laugh and a bit of historical fiction.
Astrid and Veronika by Linda Olsson
Doctor Glas by Hjalmar Söderberg
Popular Music from Vittula by Mikael Niemi
Hanna's Daughters by Marianne Fredriksson
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
Children of Ash and Elm by Neil Price
My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman
War Diaries, 1939–1945 by Astrid Lindgren
Complete Swedish Beginner to Intermediate Course by Anneli Haake
Lucia Morning in Sweden by Ewa Rydaker
The Family Tree Scandinavian Genealogy Guide by David A. Fryxell
A Lagom Guide to Swedish by Joakim Andersson
How to be Swedish by Matthias Kamann
West Sweden by James Proctor
The Laughing Policemanby Maj Sjowall; Per Wahloo | Alan Blair by Maj Sjöwall
Prize The by Irving Wallace
Lonely Planet Sweden by Lonely Planet
Yes, Chef by Marcus Samuelsson
Simon and the Oaks by Marianne Fredriksson
Still Waters by Viveca Sten
Willful Disregard by Lena Andersson
The Ice Princess by Camilla Läckberg
Everything I Don't Remember by Jonas Hassen Khemiri
The Saga of Gosta Berling by Selma Lagerlof
Xenophobe's Guide to the Swedes by Peter Berlin
The Room by Jonas Karlsson
Easy Money by Jens Lapidus
The Stockholm Octavo by Karen Engelmann