Rakel Helmsdal in Norwegian

Rakel Helmsdal’s illustrated novel Toran gongur (in English The Sound of Thunder) has been published in Norway by Orkana Forlag. Lars Moa, who was recognised for his contribution to translating Faroese literature to Norwegian this summer, has translated the book into Norwegian Nynorsk under the title Torebrak.

The book is is a heartwarming found-family story about refugees and the aftermath of war trauma with a twist of magical realism. When fourteen-year-old Aurora invites everyone in the big old house to dinner, their lives are suddenly intertwined with no turning back. At night the thunder rumbles and roars and shakes the old house, and in the morning Sirje is gone. The little girl, who never leaves the house alone has gone missing. Everyone, young and old, lonely and hurt, must do their part to help finding her.

Toran gongur was notably nominated for the 2024 Nordic Council Children and Young People’s Literature Prize. The book was originally published by Faroese children’s book publisher Bókadeild Føroya Lærarafelags in 2023.