Famous Norwegian Novelists

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 1 
Jo Nesbø
(Norwegian Writer and Musician)
Jo Nesbø
4
Birthdate: March 29, 1960
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Oslo, Norway

Jo Nesbø is a Norwegian writer, economist, musician, and former reporter and footballer. By 2021, Nesbø was declared the most successful Norwegian author ever when his translated works sold over 50 million copies; Nesbø's work has been translated into more than 50 languages. He is also associated with the band Di Derre where he is the main vocalist and songwriter.

 2 
Karl Ove Knausgard
(Norwegian Writer Known for His Six Autobiographical Novels Titled 'My Struggle')
Karl Ove Knausgard
4
Birthdate: December 6, 1968
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Oslo, Norway

Karl Ove Knausgard is a Norwegian author who achieved international prominence for writing six autobiographical novels named My Struggle. A critically acclaimed writer, Knausgård has won several prestigious awards such as the Norwegian Critics Prize for Literature, Brage Prize, Jerusalem Prize, and Swedish Academy Nordic Prize.

 3 
Marianne Ihlen
(Author)
Marianne Ihlen
4
Birthdate: May 18, 1935
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Larkollen, Østfold, Norway
Died: July 28, 2016

Marianne Ihlen was a Norwegian woman best remembered as the girlfriend and muse of popular Canadian singer-songwriter and poet Leonard Cohen. Cohen dedicated many of his poems to Ihlen and their relationship, along with Marianne Ihlen's life and career, inspired the 2019 documentary movie Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love. 

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 4 
Knut Hamsun
(One of the Most Influential Norwegian Writers & Winner of the 1920 Nobel Prize in Literature.)
Knut Hamsun
3
Birthdate: August 4, 1859
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Lom Municipality, Norway
Died: February 19, 1952

Nobel Prize-winning Norwegian author Knut Hamsun, a leading figure of neo-romanticism, is best remembered for his novel Hunger, which narrated the tale of a starving writer. With little education, he had started his career as a shoemaker’s apprentice. He supported the Nazi occupation of Norway and was later imprisoned.

 5 
Linn Ullmann
(Norwegian Author and Journalist)
Linn Ullmann
3
Birthdate: August 9, 1966
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Oslo, Norway

Linn Ullmann is a Norwegian journalist, author, and literary critic. Apart from writing popular novels, Ullmann also writes columns for leading Norwegian newspapers. Linn Ullmann is the recipient of prestigious awards such as the Gold Pen, Amalie Skram Prize, and Norwegian Readers' Prize.  

 6 
Johan Galtung
(Writer, Sociologist)
Johan Galtung
3
Birthdate: October 24, 1930
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Oslo, Norway

Johan Galtung is a Norwegian sociologist best known as the founder of a social science field called peace and conflict studies. He is also credited with founding the Peace Research Institute Oslo where he served as the director from 1959 to 1970. Renowned for his contribution to political science, economics, and history, Galtung won the Right Livelihood Award in 1987.

 7 
Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson
(Norwegian Writer and Winner of Nobel Prize in Literature in 1903)
Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson
3
Birthdate: December 8, 1832
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Kvikne, Norway
Died: April 26, 1910

Nobel Prize-winning Norwegian author Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson, the first Nobel laureate from his country, is regarded as one of The Four Greats of Norwegian Literature. He also penned the Norwegian national anthem and is known for books such as Absalom's Hair and short stories such as The Railroad and the Churchyard.

 8 
Sigrid Undset
(Norwegian-Danish Novelist and Winner of 1928 Nobel Prize in Literature)
Sigrid Undset
3
Birthdate: May 20, 1882
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Kalundborg, Denmark
Died: June 10, 1949

Sigrid Undset was a Norwegian novelist best remembered for her trilogy of historical novels, Kristin Lavransdatter. In 1928, she was honored with the prestigious Nobel Prize for literature, which she donated on 25 January 1940 in order to support the Finnish war effort during the Second World War. A crater on Venus is named in her honor.

 9 
Jostein Gaarder
(Writer Best Known for His Novel ‘Sophie’s World: A Novel about the History of Philosophy')
Jostein Gaarder
3
Birthdate: August 8, 1952
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Oslo, Norway

Norwegian author Jostein Gaarder, who specializes in children’s books, is perhaps best known for his work Sophie's World. He is also known for his signature use of meta-fiction in his works. He and his wife later also introduced the Sophie Prize, which was eventually discontinued due to lack of funds.

 10 
Axel Jensen
(Author)
Axel Jensen
3
Birthdate: February 12, 1932
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Trondheim, Norway
Died: February 13, 2003

Best known for his sci-fi novels such as Epp and Lul, Norwegian author Axel Jensen had even penned manuscripts for animated movies and cartoon strips. Known for his unpredictable behavior, he had an unstable marriage with Marianne Ihlen, who later became Leonard Cohen’s muse. In his later years, he suffered from paralysis.

 11 
Anne Holt
(Writer, Lawyer)
Anne Holt
2
Birthdate: November 16, 1958
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Larvik, Norway

Apart from being a bestselling thriller author, Nigerian writer Anne Holt has also been a lawyer, a journalist, and Norway’s minister of justice. Mainly known for her Hanne Wilhelmsen series and Vik/Stubø series, she is a former US resident and now divides her time between Norway and France.

 12 
Jon Fosse
(Norwegian Author and Dramatist)
Jon Fosse
2
Birthdate: September 29, 1959
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Haugesund, Rogaland, Norway

One of the most significant contemporary authors from Norway, Jon Fosse is best known as a playwright, but has also penned novels, short stories, poems, and children’s books. He has been journalist, has taught at a writing academy, and was also a consultant for the translation of the Bible into Norwegian.

 13 
Dag Solstad
(Norwegian Novelist, Short-Story Writer, and Dramatist)
Dag Solstad
1
Birthdate: July 16, 1941
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Sandefjord, Norway

Dag Solstad is a Norwegian novelist and short-story writer who won the Nordic Council's Literature Prize in 1989. He also received the Norwegian Literary Critics' Award three times, becoming the only author to do so. He is the author of nearly 30 books. He is married to theater critic and journalist Therese Bjørneboe. 

 14 
Per Petterson
(Norwegian Novelist)
Per Petterson
2
Birthdate: July 18, 1952
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Oslo, Norway

While Per Petterson had always wanted to be an author and was trained as a librarian, he initially worked at a factory and then a bookstore, before stepping into full-time writing. Best known for books such as To Siberia, he also won the Norwegian Critics Prize for Out Stealing Horses.

 15 
Hans Jæger
(Norwegian Writer, Philosopher and Anarchist Political Activist )
Hans Jæger
2
Birthdate: September 2, 1854
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Drammen, Norway
Died: February 8, 1910

Norwegian author Hans Henrik Jæger led the Kristiania Bohemians, a politico-cultural movement. A supporter of sexual liberty, he penned the controversial book Fra Kristiania-Bohêmen, which was labeled as pornography, thus leading him to prison. He later fled to Paris and stayed there for most of his later life.

 16 
B. Andreas Bull-Hansen
(Writer)
B. Andreas Bull-Hansen
2
Birthdate: August 18, 1972
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Oslo, Norway

B. Andreas Bull-Hansen is a Norwegian blogger, novelist, and YouTuber. He started lifting weights as a teenager and eventually turned professional. He enjoyed a successful athletic career before moving on to writing. He runs a successful blog and has a YouTube channel that has accumulated millions of views. He is also a published author with many books to his credit.  

 17 
Tarjei Vesaas
(Norwegian Poet and Novelist Known for His Symbolic and Allegorical Narratives)
Tarjei Vesaas
1
Birthdate: August 20, 1897
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Vinje Municipality, Norway
Died: March 15, 1970
One of the greatest post-World War II Norwegian authors, Tarjei Vesaas often wrote about rural people and their psychological worlds in his iconic works, such as The Ice Palace. He is also remembered for his signature depiction of the Nigerian landscape and for writing in and popularizing Nynorsk.
 18 
Thorbjørn Egner
(Author, Illustrator)
Thorbjørn Egner
1
Birthdate: December 12, 1912
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Oslo, Norway
Died: December 24, 1990

Norwegian author Thorbjørn Egner is best remembered for his contribution to children’s literature. Trained as an artist, he initially worked at an advertising firm. He later soared to fame with books such as Karius og Baktus and often illustrated his own works. He has received several awards, such as the Cappelen Prize.

 19 
Jens Bjørneboe
(Norwegian Novelist, Dramatist, Essayist, and Poet)
Jens Bjørneboe
1
Birthdate: October 9, 1920
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Kristiansand, Norway
Died: May 9, 1976

Jens Bjørneboe wasn’t just an author but also practiced painting and taught at a Waldorf school. Beginning his writing career as a poet, he later penned novels such as Moment of Freedom and plays such as The Bird Lovers. Struggling with depression and alcohol issues, he later committed suicide by hanging.

 20 
O. E. Rölvaag
(Novelist)
O. E. Rölvaag
1
Birthdate: April 22, 1876
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Dønna Municipality, Norway
Died: November 5, 1931

O. E. Rölvaag was a novelist well-known for his writings on the Norwegian American immigrant experience. Born in Norway, he emigrated to America as a young man and studied at St. Olaf College in Northfield. He then pursued an academic career and also devoted himself to writing. He wrote in the Norwegian language and portrayed the experiences of Norwegian immigrants. 

 21 
Nordahl Grieg
(Norwegian Poet, Novelist, Dramatist and Journalist)
Nordahl Grieg
1
Birthdate: November 1, 1902
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Bergen, Norway
Died: December 2, 1943

Nordahl Grieg was a Norwegian poet, novelist, journalist, and political activist. He was both a popular writer and a controversial public figure. He studied at the Royal Frederick University and became a journalist. He was a staunch anti-Nazi patriot and served in World War II as a war correspondent. He was killed while on a bombing mission to Berlin. 

 22 
Camilla Collett
(Norwegian Writer and One of the First Contributors to Realism in ‘Norwegian Literature')
Camilla Collett
1
Birthdate: January 23, 1813
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Kristiansand, Norway
Died: March 6, 1895

Camilla Collett was a 19th-century Norwegian writer. She was one of the first contributors to realism in Norwegian literature. An outspoken and independent individual, she is often referred to as the first Norwegian feminist. She became an honorary member of the Norwegian Association for Women's Rights at the time of its inception in 1884. 

 23 
Alexander Kielland
(Norwegian Novelist, Short-Story Writer, and Dramatist)
Alexander Kielland
1
Birthdate: February 18, 1849
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Stavanger, Norway
Died: April 6, 1906

One of The Four Greats of Norwegian literature, Alexander Kielland was a qualified lawyer and also managed his own brickyard. He later soared to fame with his works such as Gift and was a prominent part of the literary movement of Realism. He had also been a mayor of Stavanger.

 24 
Jonas Lie
(Novelist)
Jonas Lie
1
Birthdate: November 6, 1833
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Hokksund, Norway
Died: July 5, 1908

Jonas Lie is regarded as one of The Four Greats of Norwegian literature. An eye defect prevented him from pursuing his naval ambitions, and he became a lawyer instead. Known for works such as The Family at Gilje, he was a major part of the literary movement of Realism.

 25 
Amalie Skram
(Norwegian Author and Feminist Who Gave Voice to a Woman’s Point of View With Her Naturalist Writing)
Amalie Skram
1
Birthdate: August 22, 1846
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Bergen, Norway
Died: March 15, 1905

One of the most prominent naturalists of Scandinavia, Norwegian author Amalie Skram had 2 unsuccessful marriages, which was later reflected in her feminist written works. People of Hellemyr and Constance Ring remain 2 of her best-known works. She initially wrote using the pseudonym Amalie Mueller.

 26 
Arne Garborg
(Norwegian Novelist, Poet, Playwright, and Essayist)
Arne Garborg
1
Birthdate: January 25, 1851
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Jæren, Norway
Died: January 14, 1924

Arne Evensen Garborg was a Norwegian writer who championed the use of Landsmål (now known New Norwegian) as a literary language. He began his career as a newspaperman and founded the weekly Fedraheimen in 1877. He also wrote many thought-provoking novels. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature six times. He was married to writer Hulda Garborg.  

 27 
Hans Olav Lahlum
(Norwegian Historian, Author, and Chess Player)
Hans Olav Lahlum
0
Birthdate: September 12, 1973
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Norway

Hans Olav Lahlum is a Norwegian crime author, historian, chess player, and politician. Well-known for his eccentricity and unconventional style, Hans Olav Lahlum was part of the longest interview ever in 2013, in which he was interviewed for more than 30 hours by Verdens Gang, setting a Guinness World Record. 

 28 
Sigbjørn Obstfelder
(Norwegian Poet, Novelist and Playwright)
Sigbjørn Obstfelder
1
Birthdate: November 21, 1866
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Stavanger, Norway
Died: July 29, 1900

Sigbjørn Obstfelder was a Norwegian poet and writer whose debut collection of poems is cherished as one of the earliest and finest examples of modernism in literature in Norway. Widely regarded as one of the late 19th century's most prominent figures in Norwegian literature, Sigbjørn Obstfelder's works are considered to be the literary equivalent of Edvard Munch's paintings.

 29 
Kjartan Fløgstad
(Norwegian Poet, Novelist, and Essayist Best Known for His Novel 'Dalen Portland')
Kjartan Fløgstad
1
Birthdate: June 7, 1944
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Sauda, Norway

Kjartan Fløgstad is a Norwegian author best known for his novel Dalen Portland which earned him the prestigious Nordic Council's Literature Prize. One of the best-known exponents of magic realism in Norway, Kjartan Fløgstad's work often depicts the social and economic transitions of the country as it evolves from being an agricultural culture to a post-industrial society.

 30 
Johan Falkberget
(Norwegian Author)
Johan Falkberget
1
Birthdate: September 30, 1879
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Roros, Norway
Died: April 5, 1967

Johan Falkberget was a Norwegian author whose works earned him 36 nominations for the prestigious Nobel Prize in Literature. Apart from his illustrious literary career, Johan Falkberget is also remembered for his contribution to the popular newspaper Fjell-Ljom.

 31 
Sigurd Hoel
(Norwegian Novelist)
Sigurd Hoel
0
Birthdate: December 14, 1890
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Nord-Odal, Norway
Died: October 14, 1960

Sigurd Hoel was a Norwegian author best remembered for his 1927 book Sinners in Summertime, which was adapted into a movie in 1932 and in 2002. As the main consultant for Gyldendal publishing, Sigurd Hoel influenced a generation of Norwegian writers. In 1940, he was honored with the Gyldendal's Endowment award. In 1948, he received the prestigious Norwegian Booksellers' Prize.

 32 
Johan Borgen
(Norwegian Novelist, Short-Story Writer, Dramatist, and Essayist)
Johan Borgen
1
Birthdate: April 28, 1902
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Oslo, Norway
Died: October 16, 1979

Johan Borgen was a Norwegian author, critic, and journalist best remembered for his novel Lillelord which earned him the prestigious Norwegian Critics Prize for Literature in 1955. Over the course of his career, Johan Borgen also won other awards like the Dobloug Prize, Norwegian Booksellers' Prize, Nordic Council's Literature Prize, and a Nobel Prize nomination in 1966.

 33 
Johan Bojer
(Norwegian Novelist and Dramatist)
Johan Bojer
1
Birthdate: March 6, 1872
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Orkdal, Norway
Died: July 3, 1959

Johan Bojer was a Norwegian dramatist and novelist best remembered for his works describing the lives of the fishermen and poor farmers. Many of his works were translated into foreign languages, earning him international recognition. Over the course of his career, Johan Bojer received five nominations for the prestigious Nobel Prize in Literature.

 34 
Oskar Braaten
(Norwegian Novelist and Playwright Best Known for His Popular Plays and Novels Depicting the Life of Factory Workers)
Oskar Braaten
0
Birthdate: November 25, 1881
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Oslo, Norway
Died: July 17, 1939

Oskar Braaten was a Norwegian playwright and novelist best remembered for his works that depict the life of factory workers in Oslo during a period of industrialization. Oskar Braaten is also remembered for his association with the Det Norske Teatret where he was an advisor and theater manager from its inception in 1915 until his death in 1939. 

 35 
Hans E. Kinck
(Norwegian Novelist, Short-Story Writer, Dramatist, Essayist, and Philologist)
Hans E. Kinck
0
Birthdate: October 11, 1865
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Oksfjord, Norway
Died: October 13, 1926

Hans E. Kinck was a Norwegian philologist and author who wrote short stories, essays, novels, and dramas. A respected literary figure, Kinck recieved seven nominations for the prestigious Nobel Prize in Literature during the course of his illustrious career. Such is the popularity of his works that composers like Eivind Groven and Wolfgang Plagge have written music to his works.

 36 
Alfred Hauge
(Norwegian Writer Known for His Trilogy Describing the Life of a Norwegian Immigrant to the United States)
Alfred Hauge
0
Birthdate: October 17, 1915
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Sjernarøy, Norway
Died: October 31, 1986

Alfred Hauge was a Norwegian novelist, journalist, educator, historian, and poet. Best known for his works describing the adventures of Cleng Peerson, Alfred Hauge achieved immense popularity and received several literary awards like the Gyldendal's Endowment, Melsom Prize, and Nynorsk Literature Prize. His work Legenden om Svein og Maria inspired composer Hallvard Johnsen to write an opera based on it.

 37 
Kristofer Uppdal
(Norwegian Poet and Novelist)
Kristofer Uppdal
0
Birthdate: February 19, 1878
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Beitstad, Norway
Died: December 26, 1961
Kristofer Uppdal was a Norwegian author and poet best remembered for his 10-volume series of novels titled Dansen gjenom skuggeheimen. His work often dealt with the rise of the working class in Norway. Kristofer Uppdal was also an important lyric poet, but failed to achieve recognition and fame during his lifetime.
 38 
Tryggve Andersen
(Norwegian Novelist, Poet, and Story Writer)
Tryggve Andersen
0
Birthdate: September 27, 1866
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Ringsaker, Norway
Died: April 10, 1920

Tryggve Andersen was a Norwegian poet, novelist, and story writer. Andersen had a fantastic literary debut as his work I Cancelliraadens dage, a historical novel collection of stories from the early 1800s, earned him an endowment and is generally viewed as a pioneer work with several analyses by many literary historians. Andersen has also been the subject of many artworks.