In her first book, Nina Lykke writes about friendship between women, and about daughters, sisters and spouses who, halfway through their lives, feel stuck in social patterns and roles.

The book was shortlisted for the Young readers’ Critics’ Prize 2012. In their statement, the jury said:

“Lykke has a keen eye for the comedy and tragedy of everyday life. All the sharply drawn characters in this collection of stories are trapped in habitual patterns and relationships. While some break out or break down, others remain in their prison. It’s about how we always long to be somewhere else, to have something we don’t have, and about why this is both totally meaningless and absolutely inevitable. The stories take a refreshing, twisted and humorous look at a depressing and terribly boring reality. Lykke’s impolite style is very reminiscent of the Nordic Council Prize-winning Naja Marie-Aidt in its rebellious attitude to the short story as a genre. A brave and engaging debut.”