Meeting the Judges #3

Before we announce the Petrona Award 2026 Winner, from the above shortlist on 22 October, we’d like to introduce you to the Petrona Award judges, Ewa, Jackie and Sonja. So here are a few fiendish questions to get to know them better.

Our final interview is with Ewa:

1. The judging panel is truly international so let’s start with where were you born / live now? 

I was born in Poland, lived for nearly thirty years in the UK, and now I’m based in a small town by a non-touristy fjord in Norway.

2. Can you remember the first Scandinavian crime novel you read (in translation) and if so do you remember when that was? 

As a child I read many books by Tove Jansson and Astrid Lindgren translated into Polish. Although they were not crime I felt strong connection to Scandinavian culture and history and I later realised they presented various social topics hidden within children tales. The Redbreast, one of Jo Nesbø’s earlier books, made a huge impression on me. Apart from a gripping narration, it dealt with WWII history and its impact on Norwegian ordinary citizens, as well as Norway’s post-war national trauma tied to the Nazi collaboration. This led me to read more about Nordic / Scandinavian countries in general.

3. What attracts you to Scandinavian crime fiction? 

The mood, atmosphere and environment of the Cold Climate are mesmerising. The settings: distant, mysterious, known from social media and travel logs, inviting or frightening, affect the fictional characters and their actions, and their stories are told in nuanced ways. I am interested in how the stunning yet tough nature and locations shaped human lives and human perceptions of local places and wider world. The writing is often sparse yet emotive. The humour, especially dark or dry, is unexpected and welcoming. All that plus the social and political issues, including the state of Europe and how Scandinavia finds its identity there in recent years, make for truly engaging crime fiction novels. 

4. Is it popular where you live? 

Norway Absolutely! There are many small crime fiction gatherings and festivals around the country throughout the year, often arranged by an author and supported by the publishing houses, local libraries and / or local councils. For example in October readers can come to Kongsberg Krimfestival, or Thomas Engers Krimfestival in Jessheim, and in November to Kristiansand Krimfestival. Oslo has its own Krimfestivalen each March. Norwegians have the longstanding and firmly established tradition of påskekrim or Easter Crime. This is the time to enjoy all types of crime fiction, both on screens and on pages of very popular novels. It goes back to a very successful advertising campaign for Jonathan Jerv’s crime novel. The book, written by two young students Nordahl Grieg and Nils Lie, was launched spectacularly in the country’s biggest newspaper 'Aftenposten' on Saturday 24 March 1923, the day before Palm Sunday, with a seemingly real headline at the top of the first page. The words ‘The train to Bergen plundered last night’ were in fact a title, rather than a real news item. The rest is a history, or an incredible interpretation of the fact that reading during holidays can be so enjoyable. 

5. Do you have a favourite subgenre of Scandinavian crime fiction and are you willing to say who your favourite authors and translators are? 

I’m not fussed about a subgenre but want a great story that will make me think and reflect, hide behind a sofa, reach for a map, or forget about the world. There are too many favourite authors to list them all here. However, I will say that I have huge admiration for translators who bring these books to life in the English language. Some of them have worked with the same writers over long periods of time and become their English voices. I’m in awe of Neil Smith, Don Bartlett, Ian Giles, Anne Bruce, Kari Dickson, Victoria Cribb, Quentin Bates, Lucy Moffat, David Hackston, Charlotte Barslund. I also always look for connections within and between books. For example, Ørjan Karlsson mentions a character reading Gunnar Staalsen’s novel on a beach in Barcelona. You’ll have to find out which book it is…

6. And finally, where can we find more of your writings? 

I have a blog Nordic Lighthouse and also review various genres for European Literature Network. My earlier reviews are on Crime Review and Euro Crime. 

Thank you Ewa for submitting to this cross-examination!