STOCKHOLM (AP) – Ingvar Ambjørnsen, a distinguished Norwegian author known for his unique blend of dark humor and empathy, passed away at the age of 69, as confirmed by his publisher, Cappelen Damm. While the publisher did not disclose the cause of his death, it is known that Ambjørnsen had been battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for an extended period.
The Norwegian tabloid VG reported that he is survived by his wife, Gabriele Haefs, who shared the news of his death on Saturday. Ambjørnsen, born on May 20, 1956, in Tönsberg, Norway, spent his formative years in Larvik. He held various jobs in industry and psychiatry before making his literary debut with a documentary novel in 1981. Four years later, he relocated to Hamburg, Germany, where he would live for many years.
According to his publisher, Ambjørnsen's literary works are noted for their powerful and realistic portrayals of life's grimmer aspects. He emerged as one of Cappelen Damm's most well-known contemporary writers, particularly celebrated for his series of four novels centered around the character Elling. Elling, a shy yet imaginative outsider, navigates the quirks and challenges of everyday life following his release from a psychiatric hospital.
The story of Elling resonated widely, leading to the production of the comedy "Elling," which depicted the lives of two recently discharged mental health patients living together in an Oslo apartment. This film received a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2001. Furthermore, the story was adapted into a Broadway play in 2010, featuring performances by Denis O'Hare and Brendan Fraser, where themes of familial obsession and sexual fixation were explored through the lives of the misfit characters.
Throughout his career, Ambjørnsen authored a total of 18 novels and three collections of short stories, as well as several books targeted towards children and young adults. Notably, a new collection of short stories is scheduled to be released in Norway on July 31. Ambjørnsen's significant contributions to literature ensure that his unique voice and the stories of the oppressed will continue to be remembered and celebrated in the literary world.
