The world becomes a little more off-kilter when seen through the eyes of Gunnhild Øyehaug and Erlend Loe. For more than thirty years, they have written stories that challenge and delight readers, always inhabiting a universe just a few steps removed from what we think of as ordinary. In their books, parts of your brain might fall into the toilet bowl while you're sitting on the loo. The entrance to a very literal hell might turn out to be hidden beneath a hatch in your garden. In this special conversation, Øyehaug and Loe share their ideas, methods and approaches to writing.
Gunnhild Øyehaug holds a degree in literature and teaches at the Hordaland Academy of Creative Writing. She made her literary debut in 1998 and has published several collections of short stories, novels and essay collections. This autumn, she publishes her new short story collection, My Lovers (Elskarane mine).
Erlend Loe has written screenplays, novels and poetry translations. He achieved his breakthrough with Naïve. Super. (1996) and has gained a wide readership in Norway and internationally for his books for both children and adults.
This event is part of Kapittel – Stavanger International Festival of Literature and Freedom of Expression, taking place from 16–20 September 2026. More information, the full programme and tickets are available at www.kapittel.no.
Please note that photographs and video may be taken during selected events at Sølvberget and throughout the Kapittel Festival for documentation and use on social media.
