Reviews

• “[The story The Sausages] is an unbridled demonstration of a gluttonous fantasy, utterly beyond morals and common sense. And, beyond the grossness, thoroughly entertaining. /…/ My favourite is the story about the doll Göran Johansson. Here Karinsdotter plays with the stereotype of the evil doll; parallel to this the narrative can be seen as a defense against encroachments. Because in between the fearful lines where two girls are nearly drowned by tears from the attack-crying doll, the story also deals with an oppressive older sister. In this way these stories sway between message and feeling, everything goes, and I leave the read with a strong sensation of giddiness.”

• “Mad hilarity in absurdist short story collection. /…/ Emma Karinsdotter and Marcus-Gunnar Pettersson have created an exceptionally bold collection of short stories. This is a collection unlike anything other: a wildly hilarious compilation of stories for the beginner reader but with surprising twists and turn of events that is certainly not part of everyday life. /…/ And the illustrations! Everyone who’s familiar with illustrator Marcus-Gunnar Pettersson knows he’s made for this kind of imagery, where he gets to work across his entire range. Unscientific Studies is a perfectly composed selection of short stories. /…/ Afterwards you won’t look upon the world in quite the same way, as is a tell-tale sign of a genuinely great book.”

• “Truly, truly hilarious.”

• “Emma Karinsdotter’s magical, whimsical short stories leave the child some breathing space. /…/ This is a short story collection to return to again and again, not the least as I in each re-read discover new details. (…) In addition we all – big and small – need a big dose of magical thinking and refuel of our imagination depots in these times. Emma Karinsdotter and Marcus-Gunnar Petterson: We want more!”

• “There’s such clever humour here, such charm to it. /…/ Fantastic imagery on top of that. These are simply delightful stories to share together, there’s so much here to discuss and I want to highlight this book. These are stories to stay on with you.”

• “With imagination, humour and some horror the nine pieces of “evidence” are put forward. /…/ [Petterson’s] vibrant, ingenious and entertaining imagery enhances the atmosphere of the book and also changes in character in the various tales. The book is well-suited for reading out loud and discussions around true and false. Unscientific Studies is a short story collection for the younger readers that will stimulate both laughter and deeper questions alike.”

• “As per usual, brilliant illustrations by Marcus-Gunnar – I think this simply has got to be read in order to understand this book’s twisted greatness.”

• “What an experience [Unscientific Studies] was! I love this book! Thank you for the quirkiest, funniest, saddest, most thought-provoking, most imaginative, most playful and most surprising book I have read in a long, long time!”