Christer Kihlman (1930–2021)

Kihlman has rebelled against his upper-class background to become the "bad boy" of Finland-Swedish letters. Kihlman finds the material for his novels in the crevices of his own soul and his perceptions of the world around him. Many of his books have caused sensations, such as The Man Who Trembled show more (1971), in which Kihlman confessed his alcoholism and bisexuality. His stylistic mastery and thoughtful treatment of his themes protect his novels from the charge of cheap sensationalism. He is perhaps Finland's most highly regarded contemporary novelist. (Bowker Author Biography) show less