Toril Brekke facts for kids

Toril Brekke, born on June 24, 1949, is a Norwegian writer. She writes many types of books, including novels, short stories, and books for children. She also writes biographies and works as a translator and literary critic.

About Toril Brekke's Life

Growing Up and Family

Toril Brekke was born in Oslo, Norway. Her father was the famous poet Paal Brekke. Her mother, Bjørg Rasmussen, was a painter.

Toril Brekke has been married twice. Her first marriage was to Martin Indregard from 1972 to 1982. They have a son named Kjetil Indregard, who is also a writer. Later, she was married to professor Jon Bing from 1988 to 1998.

From Factory to Full-Time Writer

Before becoming a full-time writer, Toril Brekke worked in different jobs. She worked in a bread factory. She also worked as a typographer, which means she arranged text for printing. Since 1982, she has been a writer all the time.

Toril Brekke's Books and Career

Starting Her Writing Journey

Toril Brekke started her writing career in 1976. Her first novel was called Jenny har fått sparken. This title means 'Jenny Has Been Fired'. The book was about women working in a factory and their fight against their boss.

Books for Young Readers

Toril Brekke has written several books especially for children and young people. These include:

• Gutten i regnet (1978)
• Mannen som hatet fotball (1987)
• Roser fra tribunene (2000)

Other Important Works

She has also written many other books for adults. Den gylne tonen (1980) explores the situation of women in society. Filmen om Chatilla (1983) is a story set during the Lebanese Civil War.

Toril Brekke has also published collections of short stories. Some of these are Jakarandablomsten (1985), Blindramme (1997), and Enkenes paradis (2000). She also wrote a biography about her father, Paal Brekke. This book, published in 2002, is called Paal Brekke. En kunstner. Et liv.

Awards and Leadership Roles

Toril Brekke has received several awards for her writing. She was given the Mads Wiel Nygaards Endowment in 1999. In 2000, she won the Riksmål Society Literature Prize.

She has also held important positions in writer organizations. She led Nordnorsk Forfatterlag from 1979 to 1980. She was the leader of the Norwegian Authors' Union from 1987 to 1991. From 1992 to 1997, she led the Norwegian branch of International PEN. She also served on the board of the National Theatre from 1990 to 1992.