Du lär mig att bli fri: Selma Lagerlöf skriver till Sophie Elkan

In the winter of 1884, Selma Lagerlöf found herself in Stockholm, where she was unexpectedly approached by fellow author Sophie Elkan. Their encounter sparked a profound correspondence, illuminating themes of creativity, freedom, and the struggles faced by women writers of their time. Through their letters, Lagerlöf shares her insights, encouragement, and personal reflections, offering Elkan a unique perspective on both life and literature.

This exchange, rich with intellectual camaraderie, highlights the bonds formed between women in the literary world. Lagerlöf's writings serve as a guiding light for Elkan, inspiring her to seek her own voice and break free from societal constraints. Their dialogue traverses the intricacies of artistic expression, the challenges of their gender, and the pursuit of personal freedom.

Ying Toijer-Nilsson curates these correspondences with care, bringing Lagerlöf's wisdom and Elkan's responses to life for contemporary readers. Together, they evoke a captivating narrative that resonates with anyone who has ever sought liberation through the art of writing.