Widar Andersson, Folkbladet:
”A small masterpiece that catches the zeitgeist in the contradictory fashion required by such a task. In several long stories from near and far, woven together, as well as in short and vigorous sentences, he brings into immediate focus defining phenomena, patterns and emotions in our society. He writes, spot on: ‘How ridiculous everything has become, not because the unfamiliar has arrived, but because what was familiar has departed, vanished.’”
Katarina Barrling, Svenska Dagbladet:
“A society that encourages the sense of being offended will in the long run become paralyzed, because embedded in offended feelings lie passiveness and powerlessness. […] The mood of the book is hovering between sadness and restrained anger. And wonder. How could a well-functioning country like Sweden degenerate this much?”
Josefin de Gregorio, Fokus:
“I think Lars Åberg is onto something when he reflects that ‘the basic disappointment at the development of society makes people feel that they themselves have been wronged’. A broken social contract leads to insecurity and discontent among citizens, and this has to find its way somewhere. […] “Mest kränkt vinner” has a lot of important good points, and Åberg is a skilful narrator and an elegant writer. He is also knowledgeable, experienced and widely-traveled enough to be able to talk about offence in a global perspective.”
Jan Bärtås, Smålandsposten:
“In the land of the easily offended those who claim to be offended are rewarded. Author Lars Åberg makes an unerring analysis of our times. […] He is a skilled writer, sharp in his analyses, and thus his book is an interesting contribution about the culture of offence which seems to have gone off the rails.”
Gunnar Hyltén Cavallius, Världen i dag:
“Åberg’s book on how Sweden’s changes came about is penetrating and brave. The text is a whirling dance, the writer returning to earlier observations which he remarkably enough manages to fill with new linguistic life.”
Sakine Madon, Fokus:
”An unusually sharp pen. The only tough aspect is that his linguistic skills makes you jealous or self-critical.”
Mikael Jalving, Kontrast, Denmark:
“Swedish Lars Åberg’s books are among the best to appear on the other side of Öresund. […] If I had a publishing company I would translate and publish this book in Danish.”
Claus Nowotny, former journalist at national Swedish Radio, on Facebook:
“You have done it again; putting into words a gnawing feeling and a sense of wonder. How did we get here? You have a wonderfully precise language that I love, and references to persons and events I have forgotten about or did not know of. And your oneliners and associations are magnificent. Congratulations on an important book! Which is also a delight to read. You are once again at the center of public debate.”
Anne L. C. Runehov, Professor Emerita, on Facebook:
“To all those who read Swedish and want to learn more about why we are where we are in this once beautiful country, I can warmly recommend Lars Åberg’s “Mest kränkt vinner”. He does a superb conceptual and argumentative analysis of the word “offended/kränkt” and puts it in a global and historical context. Those Swedes born in the 50-60s will recognize a lot and see where it all started. They will see the pros and cons of that time’s politics and its consequences. For those born later, there is a lot to learn and understand about why we are here today, and hopefully, his work will inspire researchers to take his ground research further. Hopefully, and away from the politized research we have today. Broader and deeper. But actually, it concerns the whole Western world, hence I truly hope his book will be translated into English. It concerns us all!”
Other voices on Facebook, X et al:
“He is Sweden’s foremost and most important writer about our age. Terrific art.”
“This is an extremely readable book. […] The title may seem provocative, but the content draws a worrying picture of a democracy under attack. Yet, it is also funny. […] Highly recommended!”
“Both its design and its content make it a small masterpiece.”
“It is absolutely brilliant, profound, deeply penetrating, and elegantly sharp.”
“An exceptionally remarkable book about our society. Lots of wise observations and statements. My book pages are full of underlinings and markings.”
“The content and the language are equally enjoyable.”
“The book will most likely be considered as pioneering in this field.”
“A fantastic book. I love the way the language is so poetically treated.”
“Lars Åberg’s new book is definitely one of this year’s great reading experiences. […] This book has a different, more personal touch than his previous ones on Swedish conditions. The result is a fascinating mosaic and as a reader one is deeply moved by the tranquil melancholy tone characterizing his social criticism this time.”
“Lars Åberg is an indispensable writer and he portrays the reality of Sweden.”
“A razor-sharp debater with a rare ability to find the right words.”
“Should you want to understand Sweden better, you ought to read and ponder over Lars Åberg’s new book.”
“Lars Åberg is a brilliant writer.”
“A book I can highly recommend. Åberg has eminently captured the Swedish condition. A splendid depiction of our society.”
“It is a complete joy to read his books.”
“A truly fantastic book, will soon re-read it.”
“A classic! Splendid!”
“There is so much that is worth considering, and it is so extremely well written. The language is pure pleasure.”
“A fantastic book, a pearl.”
“The book ought to be compulsory at all courses for employees in the public sector. It might become a classic.”
“A fantastic description of today’s society. And, as usual, the language is marvellous.”
“This is a masterpiece, a book of reference that should sit on every citizen’s bookshelf.”