Norwegian author Ingvar Ambjørnsen dies at age 67

Post by : Monika

Photo:AP

In July 2025, Norway lost one of its most loved writers. Ingvar Ambjørnsen, who was 67 years old, passed away after living with cancer. He died at his home in Hamburg, Germany, where he had lived for many years. People in Norway and around the world were deeply saddened by the news.

Ambjørnsen was best known for his famous book series about a man named Elling. These books became very popular, and many people loved them because they talked about life in a very real and touching way. His stories helped readers understand how some people feel when they are different or face struggles in life.

A Life Full of Stories
Ingvar Ambjørnsen was born in Tønsberg, a small town in Norway, in 1956. He grew up in the town of Larvik. Even as a young boy, he was interested in writing. He used to write stories and poems in school. When he got older, he moved to Hamburg, Germany, where he spent most of his adult life.

He started writing books in the 1980s. At first, he wrote about young people who had difficult lives. His books were often about people who felt like they didn’t belong or who were struggling with something. But he wrote with kindness and care, which made his characters feel very real.

Ambjørnsen was not only a writer for adults—he also wrote books for children and teenagers. He believed that everyone should be able to find a good story to read, no matter their age.

The Elling Series
His most famous work was the "Elling" series. These books told the story of a man named Elling, who had a hard time living in the world. Elling was nervous around people and didn’t always understand how society worked. But he was also kind, thoughtful, and funny.

In the books, Elling tries to live on his own after being in a mental health hospital. The stories show his journey of learning how to be more independent, how to make friends, and how to live a normal life.

Many people felt close to Elling because he was honest and real. He showed that even people who struggle can still live a good life and be understood.

The first book, “Utsikt til paradiset” (View to Paradise), came out in 1993. After that, three more books followed, including “Brødre i blodet” (Blood Brothers), which became very famous.

A Movie That Touched the World
In 2001, “Elling” was made into a film. The movie was a huge success in Norway and around the world. It was even nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 2002.

The film showed Elling’s struggles and joys in a funny, warm, and honest way. People who watched the movie laughed, cried, and came to love the character of Elling.

This movie made Ambjørnsen’s books even more popular. More people started reading his stories, not just in Norway but in other countries too.

Writing About Real People
One reason Ambjørnsen was such a good writer is that he cared deeply about people. He often wrote about people who were left out or ignored by society. This included people with mental health problems, people who used drugs, or people who didn’t fit into normal life.

But instead of making fun of them, Ambjørnsen showed their pain and their dreams. He gave them a voice. He wanted readers to understand how hard life can be for some, and how important it is to treat others with kindness.

His writing style was simple but powerful. He didn’t use hard words. He used real words that everyone could understand. That’s why even people who don’t usually read books could enjoy his stories.

Awards and Honors
Throughout his life, Ambjørnsen received many awards for his writing. In 2009, he was given the Brage Honorary Prize, one of Norway’s top awards for literature.

Many people in Norway saw him as one of the country’s most important writers. His books have been read by young and old, and his stories have helped people feel seen and understood.

A Quiet Life in Germany
Although he was famous in Norway, Ambjørnsen lived a quiet life in Germany. He moved to Hamburg in the 1980s and lived there with his wife, Gabriele Haefs. She was also a writer and translator.

The couple lived a peaceful life, and Ambjørnsen kept writing even as he got older. He loved the quiet life in Germany, but he always stayed connected to Norway. His books often had Norwegian settings and characters.

His Final Days
In his later years, Ambjørnsen shared that he had been living with cancer. He didn’t speak about it much in public, but his readers knew he was not well. Still, he kept writing and even published books not long before his death.

He passed away peacefully at his home in Hamburg in July 2025. His wife was with him. News of his death was shared by his publishing house, and soon people from all over the world began to share their sadness and memories.

A Lasting Legacy
Ingvar Ambjørnsen may be gone, but his words will live on. His books are still being read in schools, homes, and libraries. The Elling series continues to help people understand others better, especially those who struggle with mental health.

Many people say they became more caring and thoughtful after reading Ambjørnsen’s books. His stories helped them see the world in a different way.

For young writers, he is an inspiration. He showed that you can write stories that matter, that you can make a difference through words.

Remembering a Great Writer
People in Norway and beyond have shared messages of love and respect for Ambjørnsen. Authors, readers, and even leaders have spoken about how much he meant to them.

He was not just a writer. He was someone who cared deeply for others. Through his books, he made the world a little kinder and a little more understanding.

Ingvar Ambjørnsen wrote about life in a way that touched many hearts. His stories were about people who didn’t always fit in but who still had dreams and hopes. He reminded us that everyone matters.

Though he is no longer with us, his words and his stories will never be forgotten. His books will continue to bring comfort, hope, and understanding for many years to come.

May he rest in peace.

Norwegian author