Scandinavian Mysteries discussion

I was thinking about what makes Scandinavian novels unique or different from other national mysteries such as British or American? Just to kick off the discussion, I remember reading both in Maj Sjöwall, Per Wahlöö as well as Henning Mankell that mystery was not just about plots and excitement but was also a vehicle of social criticism. In many authors I have noted advocacy for the just treatment of refugees as well as the changes that immigration brings to these countries. Secondly, I have found the style of Scandinavian authors to be more existential and philosophically deeper.

I very much agree. Regarding social criticism I've just finished Mankell's Firewall, and two of the criminals were young girls (19 and 14). Wallander and his teammates were pondering how his society is creating a world in which young chldren can commit murder with no remorse, and then expect to go home afterwards. Also, he noted somewhere in that same novel that everyone who's wealthy enough is leaving Sweden, while those who remain try to become wealthy enough to leave. In another one of Mankell's books (although for the life of me I can't remember which one it was -- my apologies) he noted something along the lines of how people look back on the old social system which is being replaced by a modern one based on greed and corruption.

Thanks Nancy for your comments, I was thinking that the three writers I mentioned were more influenced by social democratic views and lean leftward. This perspective doesn't seem congruent with the American noir mystery or procedural which is more independent and heroic. Although Thomas Cook's mysteries seem to contain a depth approach, oriented to analysis of society as well. The Sweds and the Icelandic mysteries also are team oriented and interdependent. I am a Canadian but haven't as yet read many Canadian mysteries Giles Blunt excepted who does have the team approach and has some things to say about the English French divide. Just a final thought Brits seems to orient themselves to wounded or flawed inspectors like Morse, Dalziel and Tony Hill. The social comment in British mystery seems again to focus on classism and economic issues. I am probably not saying much more than national character forms the way mystery expresses itself, but it sure is interesting.

Yes,how great that you've attempted to identify what makes these mysteries unique beyond the setting. I have just read the first eight Martin Beck mysteries and the social criticism aspect becomes more apparent with each book. In the Beck series the criticisms are more direct, taking up even long passages, whereas Mankell approaches the uissues situationally, as a matter of the plot.

I also read somewhere that the long periods of darkness and cold have an effect on their (the authors') psyches, as well as the feelings of isolation. Don't know how true that one is, but it's a thought.

Have you read one called Snow Angels? It's on my shelf and off the top of my head I can't remember the author's name, but I didn't get the same feelings reading that book that I normally do with Scandinavian authors, and I was wondering if you've read it, does it have more of an American feel to you? The author is American, but has been living (I think) in Finland. The reason I'm asking is because I felt that in comparison to many other Scandinavian authors I've read, this one doesn't really do it for me as a Scandinavian mystery -- and it makes me wonder if someone has to be a native to fully appreciate the changes there over the years.

That is an interesting thought Nancy. I wonder what the effect of geography has on literature. I live in an extremely cold environment -40 yesterday so I feel rather "Nordic" myself.

Whether or not a reader must be indigenous to fully comprehend the tone of the Scando-Nordic mysteries, I don't know. I do know that by reading mysteries from various parts of the world it makes one more of a world citizen, more global in consciousness. Mysteries tend to draw out the darker and deeper aspects of a culture. The back and forth between the crime itself and the solution, the criminal and the investigator says a lot. I noticed in the Beck stories that Martin Beck is sympathetic to the criminals as is Wallander who says that given the identical set of circumstances we could all become criminals. Empathy rather than retribution seems to describe much of Scandinavian crime novels.

On the downside most "developed" countries like Canada, Britain and Sweden are struggling with immigration issues even those most of us, especially in N. America are not indigenous to the geography. Compassion is difficult when we feel threatened.

Laura wrote: "Yes,how great that you've attempted to identify what makes these mysteries unique beyond the setting. I have just read the first eight Martin Beck mysteries and the social criticism aspect becomes ..."

If I recall correctly Per Wahlöö of the Martin Beck series got more didactic as his health was failing; he died early of cancer. He may have felt the need to get his essential message out quickly. These mysteries were more ideologically oriented and were according to some biographies of the author a virtual strategy for social change. What a unique and constructive way to approach social change.

Flippant observation first: Scandinavian characters drink huge amounts of coffee, and I crave it when I'm reading a good mystery.

I'm a little out of my depth on this, but Scandinavian mysteries are different in areas of gender equality, attitudes towards sex, and sexual violence.

For example, Stieg Larsson's characters seem to have a range of relationships that aren't found in American or British mysteries. The main character and his business partner have had a long term relationship, seemingly with her husband's knowledge / permission. This fact is mentioned briefly, but not wallowed in (like an Oprah book) which leads me to think that maybe Swedish open marriages are common.

Women in contemporary Scandinavian mysteries seem more "equal" than in US books, both in how they are portrayed as well as their participation in the mystery. Thinking about Lizbeth Sallander's complexities makes my head spin. BUT: I've only read Scandinavian mysteries written by men, with mostly male protagonists. I hope to read a Linda Wallander story, but does anyone know of any women ScanMys writers? I'm still learning about the genre. Is there a Norwegian V.I. Warshawski?

Sexual violence in Scandinavian Mysteries is way more shocking and gross than even "Law & Order: SVU". Why? Do Nordic readers fear bondage, Brits fear murder, and Americans fear corporate espionage? Or is that what we enjoy and see ourselves commit? Again, a disclaimer that maybe the small sample of ScanMys books I've read isn't a good representation of the various crimes written about.

Martha wrote: "Flippant observation first: Scandinavian characters drink huge amounts of coffee, and I crave it when I'm reading a good mystery.

I'm a little out of my depth on this, but Scandinavian mysteries a..."

You are right the Scandinavian writers do have a different set of mores than the typical North American. This has been the case for many years and they have matured their views over time. Their works seem to be characterized by the same freedom as in the 60's but it is a "tempered freedom" because the effects of openness are seen in both the down and up side - the pain and the liberation.

On the gender issue, I don't know but I sense that the Scando-women having gained more rights and respect, "don't seem to try so hard" or are virulent and defensive as some of our mystery women. The movement seems to have included or moved on to humanism or feminism with a humane face.

Linda Wallanader is not the writer of the series that features her character, Henning Mankell is. But I am sure she will be presented in a fair and informing manner.

For an excellent perspective on a Icelandic female write check out Yrsa Sigurdardottir
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjuY5F...

Then there is Karin Fossum for a dependable read as well. She Who Fears the Wolf if amazing.