Voksbarnet
novel · First published 2023
Author guide
Olga Ravn Books in Order
Olga Ravn is a Danish poet, novelist, and interdisciplinary writer. She published her debut poetry collection in 2012 and writes across poetry, fiction, nonfiction, artist books, performance, and visual art. Her novels include Celestine, De ansatte, Mit arbejde, and Voksbarnet; she has also published the chapbook Mean Girl, the nonfiction journal Min barsel, and the artist book Mindesmærke for de trolddomsanklagede.
poetryliterary fictionscience fictionhistorical fictionnonfictionartist books
Catalog record updated .
Olga Ravn's Newest Book
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Start with one of these
De ansatte
A concise, internationally acclaimed novel that introduces Ravn’s distinctive blend of speculative fiction, poetry, and documentary forms.
Jeg æder mig selv som lyng
Her debut collection and a direct introduction to her poetic work.
Outside the series
Bibliography by category
Novels (5)
- Celestine
novel · 2015
Hon är skilsmässobarnet som har dröjt sig kvar i ungdomen. Utan egentlig riktning. När hon får jobb som lärare på en internatskola på den danska landsbygden eskalerar ensamheten, alienationen. Hon kan såklart inte umgås med eleverna för…
- De ansatte
novel · 2018
- Mit arbejde
novel · 2020
- Min barsel: En dagbog til nye forældre
nonfiction · 2021
- Voksbarnet
novel · 2023
Poetry (2)
- Jeg æder mig selv som lyng
poetry-collection · 2012
- Den hvide rose
poetry-collection · 2016
Other (2)
- Mean Girl
chapbook · 2014
Frequently asked questions about Olga Ravn
Who is Olga Ravn?
Olga Ravn is a Danish poet, novelist, editor, and translator, born in Copenhagen in 1986. She studied at Forfatterskolen, Copenhagen’s writers academy, from 2008 to 2010.
Sources: danskeakademi.dk (opens in a new tab)literaturfestival.com (opens in a new tab)
What is Olga Ravn known for?
Ravn is known for experimental writing that crosses poetry, fiction, and speculative forms, often exploring work, embodiment, motherhood, and identity. Her international profile grew after The Employees was shortlisted for the 2021 International Booker Prize.
Sources: channel.louisiana.dk (opens in a new tab)gyldendal.dk (opens in a new tab)
What influences Olga Ravn’s writing?
Ravn has specifically cited Ursula K. Le Guin’s essay “The Carrier Bag Theory of Fiction” as an influence on her approach to literary form. Her work also draws on lived questions about labor, caregiving, motherhood, and the body.
Sources: washingtonpost.com (opens in a new tab)channel.louisiana.dk (opens in a new tab)
Which awards has Olga Ravn won?
Her debut received recognition from the Danish Arts Foundation in 2012; she won the Michael Strunge Prize in 2015, the Beatrice Prize in 2019, and Politiken’s Literature Prize in 2020.
Sources: danskeakademi.dk (opens in a new tab)gyldendal.dk (opens in a new tab)
How has Olga Ravn contributed to Danish literary culture?
Beyond her own writing, Ravn co-founded Hekseskolen, a feminist writing school and performance group, and edited selections of Tove Ditlevsen’s work. Her editorial efforts helped renew international interest in Ditlevsen’s writing.
Sources: danskeakademi.dk (opens in a new tab)ndbooks.com (opens in a new tab)