DE BEDSTE FAMILIER – EVEN IN THE BEST OF FAMILIES
By Kim Blæsbjerg
RECIPIENT OF THE GOLDEN LAURELS 2023
IN EVEN IN THE BEST OF FAMILIES, we plunge into the dramatic saga of the Cheminova company, which relocated its factory from Zealand to Lemvig in 1953. With the factory’s arrival, the once sleepy West Jutland town experiences significant growth, bringing prosperity and improved living standards to residents, including engineer Niels and his wife Karin.
HOWEVER, THIS PROGRESS comes at a cost. Factory workers face exposure to poisoning, and chemical waste is discharged into the sea. Despite these issues, fear of losing the factory—and the jobs and economic revival it brought—silences any dissent.
EVEN IN THE BEST OF FAMILIES provides an in-depth exploration of Denmark’s history from the post-World War II era to the emergence of the modern welfare state. Kim Blæsbjerg skillfully intertwines personal tales with historical events, crafting a rich and intricate narrative that explores love, family life, and beyond.
ABOUT THE BOOK
First published by Gutkind, Denmark 2023
RIGHTS SOLD
Denmark, Gutkind
Film, Apple Tree Productions
REVIEWS
A thoroughly engaging social realism novel.
– Information, Denmark
An incredibly powerful, well-written and engaging novel.
– Jyllands Posten, Denmark
A well-written and impressive novel.
– Kristeligt Dagblad, Denmark
Toxic and juicy social realism. Guilty pleasure of the year.
– Politiken, Denmark
A deeply moving read.
– Weekendavisen, Denmark
A truly fascinating story.
– Litteratursiden.dk
A well-written eye-opener, a gripping and entertaining story.
– Bogblogger.dk
A captivating stort of a rapidly changing society.
– Bogtanker, Denmark
AWARDS
Booksellers’ Honorary Award The Golden Laurels, 2023
Jyllands-Posten’s fiction prize, 2023
BOOKS
Fiction
