UK-born writer Ruth Kvarnström-Jones moved to Stockholm from the UK in the 1980s. Last year, she was author of the most borrowed fiction book in selected Swedish libraries. She says she was inspired by Agnetha Fältskog to learn Swedish.
Kvaernström-Jones is known for her historical fiction, including the Halleholm series and The Phenomenal Women of the Grand Hôtel, blending British roots with Swedish history and culture in her storytelling.
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Her book The Phenomenal Women of the Grand Hôtel was voted Feelgood Book of the Year in Sweden in 2024.
Her new book, ”Väninnorna på Nordiska Kompaniet”, is set to 1912 in Stockholm and war is rumbling on the horizon. But Joseph Sachs has made up his mind — he is going to build Northern Europe’s grandest department store: Nordiska Kompaniet.
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Set against the background of a breathtaking emporium in the heart of Stockholm, friendships among the women see them through the men’s war nobody wanted and into the swinging 1920s. Kindred Spirits at Nordiska Kompaniet spans fifteen years and is based on the fascinating history of Josef Sachs and his fabulous Nordiska Kompaniet at Hamngatan 18 where the customer is king and the King is a customer.
Kvaernström-Jones focuses on Swedish history, particularly women’s stories, often set in Stockholm.
British Author Inspired by ABBA to learn Swedish, Tor Kjolberg reporting.