How to be Norwegian

by Lorelou Desjardins

"How to be Norwegian" is a witty book filled with insightful information about Norwegians, their culture and mystical unwritten rules. Written by the bestselling author of "A Frog in the Fjord: One Year in Norway", this illustrated guide successfully balances humor with genuine cultural knowledge. The author has created an engaging work that effectively demystifies Norwegian culture through a foreigner's lens while maintaining respect for Norwegian traditions and values.

Drawing from over a decade and a half of first-hand experience living in Norway, Lorelou takes readers beyond postcard images of fjords and northern lights to reveal the true essence of Norwegian identity. With sharp observations and relatable anecdotes, she skillfully navigates everything from the unwritten rules of Norwegian social interaction to the sacred rituals of cabin life and coffee drinking.

What sets this book apart is its ability to explain not just what Norwegians do, but why they do it, connecting behaviors to underlying values and historical contexts. Readers will discover the profound influence of Janteloven on social dynamics, understand why Norwegians become completely different people after a few drinks, and learn why a walk in the forest is considered the perfect date activity.

Whether you're planning a visit to Norway, relocating for work, reconnecting with your Norwegian ancestry, or even a Norwegian curious to see your culture through fresh eyes, "How to be Norwegian" serves as the perfect companion. With wit and warmth, the author has created an essential cultural handbook that will have you understanding, and affectionately laughing about, Norwegian peculiarities in no time.

Genres: Travel

198 pages, Paperback

Published May 5, 2025

About the author

Lorelou is French and has been living in Norway for 12 years. She writes a blog about the quirkiness of Norwegian culture on www.afroginthefjord.com and has published one book about integrating in Norway, published in English and Norwegian. She writes in a witty way about serious topics, from Norwegian food to politics or even working culture. Before moving to Norway she lived in 7 countries and has much experience in adapting to new lifestyles and cultures. She is also a columnist in Norway's most read newspaper Verdens gang, and has been featured in CNN, Elle Great Britain, and more.

In her daily life Lorelou studied international law and South East Asian Studies. She works on plastic pollution reduction worldwide. She speaks fluently French, Norwegian, English and Indonesian and hopes to learn herself a few more languages. She lives in Oslo, Norway.

Reviews

[Pedro · Rating 3 out of 5]

If "A Frog in the Fjord" was an easy read, this was a walk in the park that lasted about an hour.
Once again. Lorelou gives us a glimpse of what norwegian culture and lifestyle is all about. Unlike the first book, it's not as personal (obviously), providing a lighthearted and general observation of norwegian habits for a beginner (should I say, a tourist, so it really is the perfect book to buy if you come to Norway for travelling). However, if you've read the first book, this one will feel very repetitive, more like a summary of what you've already read before.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book 📕 so much !! If you have Norwegian heritage this book is so fun and helpful to know some of the traditions of Norwegian culture.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like others mentioned before me, if you read Frog in a Fjord (which was fabulous and entertaining in my opinion), this book felt like a summary.
I decided to buy this book instead of waiting my turn from the library. And given the fact that i loved the Frog in a Fjord, i was up for the purchase.
But i was disappointed how the book looked and felt. First of all - a hard cover? But why?! It makes me want to take a highlighter and color the pictures and highlight sentences. It was very quick read, often blank pages were included. So the 193 pages would be maybe 70 pages if typed as usual book. Font was also too large and gaps too frequent.
That being put aside, if you get a chance to read this book as an ebook, or a free loaner from a library or a friend, i highly recommend it.
Entertaining as expected. Informative.
Maybe every time a friend comes to visit me in Norway, i can give them this book to read (can easily be done in 2hrs) so they know what the social expectations and norms are in my new home :)
I say, go read, but don’t bother paying money for this short lived excitement.

[Simon Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant, insightful and often very funny little book. I bought it because I've booked a holiday in Norway this summer and I really don't want to be a typical tourist who knows next to nothing about their host nation's culture. The short chapters are easily digestible and cover everything from Norway's history to child rearing. As a future visitor rather, than a potential resident, I'm not sure how much will be 'useful' but if any Norwegian actually wants to have a conversation with me, I'll have a lot of questions to ask them and a huge amount of respect for their country. And I'm sure I'll remember to say 'hei' when I pass fellow hikers on a mountain. And for me, usefulness isn't really my main criteria for judging this book. Insightfulness, however, certainly is and it's been a very important part of my preparation for my visit.

Overall, I feel it packs an awful lot into a small package and it will almost certainly end up in my hand luggage this summer.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been traveling to Norway, Bergen to be specific, for the last 20 years I found this book humorous and very spot on. I just finished another visit with family in Bergen and also spent a few days in sunny Kristiansand and nearly all the topics in this book came up on my two week visit. This gave me some chuckles. I attended my first Norwegian wedding which should be an entire chapter in a revised version of this book. For those unaware of Norwegian wedding customs they are quite unique to those of us from abroad in the states. Would make a great chapter. Just a suggestion. Fun read. Recommend for anyone who loves Norway as I do or planning a trip to this wonderful country.

[Jordyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A charming, insightful, and witty read!”
How to Be Norwegian perfectly captures the humor, heart, and subtle quirks of Norwegian culture. The author balances warmth and wit, making you feel both educated and entertained from the first page to the last. Every chapter feels like a cozy conversation over coffee, full of sharp observations and genuine affection for Norway’s way of life. It’s the kind of book that leaves you smiling—and maybe a little bit more Norwegian yourself.

[Rosie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is essentially a condensed version of A Frog in the Fjord, which I enjoyed and thought was pretty humorous. Because it lacks the narrative element of Frog, it is less engaging. I do think it would make a decent gift for someone moving/travelling to Norway or an English-speaker with Norwegian heritage.

[Charlotte Lesemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is delightful—witty and engaging—while still being full of information about the Norwegian culture.