Rebel and Pioneer of Children’s Rights Astrid Lindgren

Astrid Lindgren (1907 – 2002) was a Swedish writer and author of world-famous books for children such as Karlsson-on-the-Roof, Pippi Longstocking, Emil of Lönneberg, Ronja, the Robber's Daughter and others. Russian-speaking readers fell in love with Astrid Lindgren due to the translations made by Lilianna Lungina.

One of the best biographies of the writer is presented by Jens Andersen in his book Astrid Lindgren. This Day is Life. This work is full of interesting and previously unknown facts from the life of Astrid Lindgren. Jens Andersen's book helps to better understand what kind of person Astrid Lindgren was and why readers literally flooded her with letters expressing their gratitude and asking advice on various issues.

Astrid Lindgren's work allowed people in different countries of the world to take a new look at the problems of childhood and better understand the inner world of the child. The opinion of the world-famous writer was listened to by public figures and politicians in her native country and abroad.

In 1979, Sweden became the first country to pass a law prohibiting corporal punishment of children. A year before that, upon receiving the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade, Astrid Lindgren gave a speech "Never Violence!", which caused a lot of discussion in European countries. The writer drew attention to the fact that evil begets evil, and domestic violence breeds torturers and tyrants.

Astrid Lindgren fought not only against child abuse but also against high taxes. She advocated for humane treatment of animals as well. From a young age until the end of her life, Astrid Lindgren challenged the outdated social norms. Her books differed from the books of other children's authors in their lack of admonition, edification and moralizing.

The Foreign Literature Department invites you to watch the presentation “Rebel and Pioneer of Children's Rights Astrid Lindgren”.