Tove Ditlevsen (1917–1976) was one of Denmark’s most significant literary voices. Long before autofiction became a recognised genre, she used her own life as the foundation for exceptional and powerful works. In the novel Dependency (1971), Ditlevsen portrays life within marriage, writing with brutal honesty about love, addiction and dependency.
Vigdis Hjorth is one of Norway’s most widely read authors, also known for transforming personal experiences into literature. Her writing often engages in dialogue with Ditlevsen’s work, and Hjorth has described Dependency as a “deeply inspiring, terrible novel”.
Vigdis Hjorth is passionate about introducing Tove Ditlevsen’s writing to new generations. At the first Classic Saturday event of the autumn, she explores the novel, its significance for her own writing, and the qualities that have made Ditlevsen’s books enduring classics.
The event is part of Kapittel – Stavanger International Festival of Literature and Freedom of Speech, 16–20 September 2026. More information, the programme and tickets can be found at www.kapittel.no.
Photography and video recording may take place at selected events at Sølvberget and during the Kapittel Festival for documentation and use on social media.
