LINDELY
By Astrid Saalbach
THORKILD IS A patriarch, brought up at the start of the century, white and spoiled, and still somewhat of a human being. Having lived his whole adult life in first class he is now lying helpless as a child at Lindely nursing home. Thorkild is forced to realise that this is the end of his privileges and so called dignity.
HE LOOKS BACK on his life, while his middle-aged daughter retroactively tries to get to know him. Their newfound relationship is also complicated and while it brings them closer together, it might actually be too close for either of their comforts.
A DEATHLY SERIOUS satire about old age, a state that comes for us all, if we are lucky. About daring to face our own decay and fragility in a time obsessed with chasing youthful strength. And about the sliver of humanity granted to even the worst of tyrants as he grows old.
ABOUT THE BOOK
First published by Gutkind, Denmark 2023
RIGHTS SOLD
Denmark, Gutkind
REVIEWS
“Astrid Saalbach’s Lindely is a funny, warm, and raw novel that touches on one of society’s most sensitive issues: the imbalance between the population’s aging and our demand for an undiminished quality of life… Despite the serious subject matter, the book is funny and touching. Lovingly satirical, precise in its descriptions of care facilities, from the run-down, somewhat shabby places to the new, elegant Jægersborghave with art and designer furniture… It is remarkable that authors who are not experts can open our eyes and spark debate. Thank you.”
– Information
“An unsentimental yet moving and unflinching novel about an elderly man in need of care and his daughters… We live in times when it may be necessary to remind ourselves that the old white man is also a human being.”
– Politiken, four-star review
“Lindely gradually rises as its main character fades away. The closer Thorkil comes to death, the more sober Astrid Saalbach’s prose becomes… She skillfully captures the hospital system in all its care and brutality. Perhaps even love.”
– Weekendavisen
“Astrid Saalbach’s flair for and background in drama, however, do not go unnoticed, and the dialogue in particular is at times brilliant—and incredibly depressing.”
– Femina, five-star review
“Compelling, poignant, and moving.”
– Søndag, five-star review
“Astrid Saalbach has written an outstanding novel about an old man’s undignified end to life … This is social realism with a touch of satire.”
– Litteratursiden
“Astrid Saalbach’s Lindely must be one of the titles on every medical student’s reading list. It is also a novel that should be read by the Minister for the Elderly, the Minister of Finance (who allocates resources to the elderly and disabled), and all employees in the healthcare sector.”
– Nordjyske
“The novel grapples powerfully with the fragility of old age … Lindely is raw, honest, and authentic … The language flows easily and is a pleasure to read, but the novel is painful to read because it describes a harsh reality that we know exists and awaits us, but which we would rather repress. At the same time, the novel is permeated by a tenderness for life and for one another, and literature that covers life in all its complexity is welcome.”
– Sundhedspolitisk Tidsskrift, five-star review
“A satirical tale of a life that changes anything but suddenly… The language is slow-paced and almost like a chamber play, fitting beautifully with the description of Thorkil’s existence. The characters are strong and clearly defined. The novel is well-suited for both reading aloud and book clubs.”
– Danish Library Center
“A welcome portrayal of a slice of the Danish welfare state that is under severe pressure. It is extremely interesting and relevant reading … Lindely is a truly excellent novel.”
– Bogbloggerdk
BOOKS
Fiction
