It was when his dad read a "bysse" and his mom sewed a "mysse", from Emil in Lönneberga, that David Sundin first got hooked on Astrid Lindgren.
As a child, he devoured her stories, but took a break in adulthood – until he had children of his own. Then he was struck again by how fantastic she is.
I don't think I've met anyone who's said "Astrid Lindgren is okay". We're quite a few who are big fans. For me, it's expressed itself in that I've collected stuff, which I do with everything I get interested in, says David Sundin.
He has, among other things, several first editions of her books and a similar typewriter to Astrid Lindgren's. Moreover, he has made a re-recording of "Karlsson on the Roof" and written a cookbook in the spirit of Pippi Longstocking. Now he's coming out with the book "Do You Know Astrid Lindgren?"
Wants to Inspire
But is there anything new to learn about the beloved author anymore? David Sundin believes and hopes so, telling, among other things, that she worked for a detective when she learned stenography, which inspired "Master Detective Blomkvist".
I'm telling her story and showing the connection to her stories. They come from her life and upbringing to a large extent, he says.
David Sundin also wants to inspire more fantasy – and show how much one person can achieve. He himself learned from Lindgren that it's okay to do different things, even if they're scattered.
Then I can catch myself thinking: isn't everything I do just because I want to be Pippi Longstocking? I want to be able to decide for myself, have a suitcase with gold coins and a house with fun collections.
Knorrar
David Sundin appreciates that Astrid Lindgren didn't shy away from tough questions, such as bullying, alcoholism, or death. He loves the seriousness of "The Brothers Lionheart". But also the quirky "Karlsson on the Roof", who is without redeeming qualities.
Nowhere is there a streak of kindness and consideration in him, there's something funny about it.
David Sundin, who is now starting a new recording period of the TV program "Best in Test", also wanted to capture the humor that exists in Astrid Lindgren.
I wanted to get some kind of tone and a bit of quirkiness that makes it funny, and that there's a purpose to why I'm writing it.
Pippi Longstocking's 80th anniversary is being celebrated this year in various ways. Among other things, with the book "Do You Know Astrid Lindgren" by David Sundin, illustrated by Amanda Berglund. Released on April 25.
"Pippi on the Seven Seas" is also being released on April 25, illustrated by comic creator Fabian Göranson. It's the first time the film script is being published in book form.
Publisher Rabén & Sjögren is offering downloadable anniversary material to all libraries, preschools, and schools that want to celebrate Pippi.
Skansen in Stockholm is marking the anniversary with a party, and Junibacken in Stockholm with the performance "Pippi Moves In".
