CARL ÅKERLUND
Fiction
FATHERLAND
Rights and awards
Rights
Sweden
Carl Åkerlund, a cultural and literary writer, was editor-in-chief of the literary magazine Provins 2018-2022, and has written plays, musical theatre, and song lyrics. He has also written criticism, essays and cultural journalism. FATHERLAND, Carl’s literary debut, was published by Weyler Förlag in September 2025.
Carl grew up in Västerbotten, in northern Sweden, and now lives in Stockholm with his family. In his writing, Carl interrogates how historical perspectives, national self-image and collective myth-making influence how we view ourselves, and he often writes about grief, love, loyalty and bad choices.
– Tell us more about your debut novel and what inspired you to write about these particular themes?
Sweden has been at peace for over 200 years. At some point, I began to take an interest in what was actually hidden in this statement. I wanted to write a story about historical perspective, national self-image and collective myth-making. About who we think we are and who we become when the ground begins to shake and give way beneath our feet.
Bibliography
2025 – Fatherland (Fädernesland), novel
Author photo
Sofia Runarsdotter. For photo rights please contact the photographer at sofia.runarsdotter@gmail.com