Eirik is sitting in a train travelling south in Europe with his father. He doesn’t know where they are heading. He doesn’t know what they are going to do. The only thing he knows is that suddenly his life has been turned upside-down. ‘You realize everything’s going to be different now, don’t you?’ dad says, looking at me. I nod. ‘It’s just the two of us now, Johnny,’ dad continues, letting an index finger wave between us. I don’t like dad calling me Johnny. For my name’s Eirik. I can prove that from the passport that I haven’t got with me.
Making a Run for It is a book about fathers and sons, and about a desperate attempt to make a new start. It has to do with new friendships and reserve families, with a depression in the floor and Frankenstein, and with playing soccer in a wheelchair. But most of all it has to do with a father who only wishes the best for his son, but who doesn’t quite manage it.
A warm, moving and original novel for those of avid book-reading age about a painful and important theme.
«The descriptions of the relationship between Eirik and his father, of the dramatic accident where his mother died, as well as of new friendships in a foreign country are all tied beautifully together. The book is action-packed and original, and it goes straight to your heart.»
Aftenposten
«The publisher is recommending this book to readers between 9 and 13, but I will recommend it to everybody. Because it is that good!»
***** (5 out of 6 stars ), Altaposten
«The Norwegian author Arne Svingen gives us yet another competent, compelling and touching story for readers between 12 and 16; actually for readers of all ages. He can – better than anyone - get inside a boy’s head to create a tight, substantial and existential story … The story hits you at the very core of your heart. Arne Svingen has an unique talent … A wonderful and extremely well written story about a boy in a difficult, although not impossible situation.»
Bladet Folkeskolen, Denmark
«Making a Run for It is a truly gripping story … The author is a true master of hints so there is a lot to be read between the lines on every page … I am not afraid to admit that I was in tears as I reached the final page. It’s certainly been a while since I read a more flawless book.»
Weekendavisen, Denmark
«Det er en fremragende ungdomsbog. En af de rigtig gode.»
Bogbotten.dk
Foreign sales
Denmark, ABC Forlag
Ukraine, Old Lion
