Stuff Swedish People Like: Astrid Lindgren

Astrid Lindgren is the author of the Pippi Longstocking books, and to Swedes, she is as loved as a mother Theresa. And she was a sympathetic lady, often defending the poor, and unwanted children. So the Swedes love for her is undeniably understandable. But there is also a simmering Swedish outrage over the fact that she never got the Nobel prize.

Many Swedes feel she, the most beloved author of the country, and who managed to export her success abroad, should have gotten the Nobel prize in litterature while she was still alive. The Swedes laugh at the Academy, who every year present some publicly unknown author, when they feel Astrid should win. Now, there can be postumous nominations as well, so there is even a grassroot organisation for Astrid. However, since the Swedish Academy, who selects an author every year, so far has not chosen a children's book author, the chances for Astrid seems slim.

She is so established in the Swedish national character, that most Swedish children get an education in "Astridology" by their parents, who buy endless amounts of the old TV adaptations on DVD of her books, which they grew up with. This is considered almost a must for any family concerned with their children being adjusted to Swedish culture and society.

Astrid has created many a children's character, and her Mickey Mouse is Pippi Longstocking. She started publishing her first book from the mid 40's and didn't quit until around 2000. She has been occasionally accused of plagiarisation. Since there wasn't any Internet when she had her heyday, it could have been quite easy for her to get ideas from abroad without getting exposed.
These are some comparisons that have been made:
Pippi Longstocking = Superman-comics and Anne of Green Gables
Kalle Blomquist = A junior Hercule Poirot/Sherlock Holmes
Nils Karlsson Pyssling = The travels of Gulliver
Emil in Lonneberga = The writings of Albert Engstrom/Anne of Green Gables
Madicken = Anne of Green Gables
The Lionheart Brothers = Lord of The Rings
Ronja The Robbers' Daughter = Romeo and Juliet

But who cares? Isn't every author inspired by something picked up, read or overheard?

Anyhow, if you want to truly understand the Swedish national character, you must take a crash-course in Astrid Lindgren. There are many references to her books, and especially the TV-adaptations, in Swedish media and society.
To get to know a Swede, just make an Astrid Lindgren-reference, You will be seen as something of a higher being, and will from then on be seen as a countryman. In no time, you will be invited for a glass of strawberry juice, and a cinnamon bun/roll (kanelbulle), if possible in a blooming arbour.