Thomas Tidholm

This beautiful little book (comfortably read in a single sitting) is one in a category I call "poetry in prose". It is an exceptional expression of solidarity with nature and an interesting evaluation of the role of humankind in the destruction of the nature of which we are a part. It is philosophical and moving at the same time.

Tidholm was a very important writer to me in my late teens and early twenties. Two of his books – “Oroliga historier” and “Friluftsliv I strandområden” (translating as “Un-funny stories” and “Outdoors activities in coastal areas”) are probably the books of poetry I’ve read the most times. Tidholm has a way of using very concrete, slightly absurd images – losing your sandwiches in the forest , or remembering how awkward you felt on a vacation trip ten years ago – to show more pinpoint that everyday feeling of loneliness and alienation. He does it with a mild sense of humor and sad wonder, in a way that rings so so true to me.

In this book (“A booklet about pain”, named after a pharmacy publication) there are a few poems like that. I love the one about the woman who watches the stars come out at nightfall, after getting her tongue stuck to a lamp post in the cold. Or the one about letting some sad pointless scouts use your windows for spying on the neighborhood. But most of this book is more abstract and less accessible. show less

Thomas Tidholm, född 11 april 1943 i Örebro, uppvuxen i Huddinge, är en svensk författare, poet, dramatiker, musiker och översättare. Han är gift med Anna-Clara Tidholm som har illustrerat de flesta av barnböckerna i produktionen. De bor i Stockholm och i Arbrå.

Tidholm debuterade som poet 1963 och hans mest lästa översättning är förmodligen den svenska versionen av Liftarens guide till galaxen. Han var medlem av musikgruppen International Harvester.