The bubbly was waiting in the fridge on this rainy autumn day in Malmö. The tight-knit trio works hard on a small budget. When the announcement came, emotions bubbled over:
"It was unbelievable. We were so happy. We screamed really loudly - and cried a little," says publishing manager Marie Pettersson, holding a glass of bubbly.
Ellerströms has published four of Anne Carson's books, the latest with a review date on the same day the Nobel Prize was announced. This was no coincidence, notes Clara Wendel.
No, it really wasn't.
New printer
However, they have not dared to increase the print run. "Fel Norma" was printed in 1,000 copies, and the publisher expects them to sell out in no time.
"It means an indescribable amount, not least financially," says Clara Wendel.
Now the trio joke that they can finally afford to buy a new printer. Marie Pettersson believes that many people will be able to embrace Anne Carson's literature.
She writes in a way that I think can appeal to many. You can learn something, you can laugh, and you can be in this slightly complicated world without being scared away.
“Got into shock”
Albert Bonnier's publishing house in Stockholm also publishes Carson's books in Sweden. Here, everyone awaited the announcement in the building's light-filled courtyard.
I don't think I understood the reaction because I was in shock myself, says Lina Rydén Reynols, publisher in charge.
Several employees move through the corridors with quick but light steps, a champagne glass in one hand and a mobile phone in the other.
It feels fantastic, and I think for many it could be the kind of award winner they have been waiting for for a long, long time. So this is truly a “Finally” moment, says Rydén Reynols.
The publisher Faethon has also published Carson's books in Swedish.
