The Little Book of Scandi Living

by Brontë Aurell

Why are Scandinavians the world's happiest people? 

How do you get more Scandi-style in your life? 

​What is  lagom  and how do you use it?

Whether you want your apartment to look like it belongs in Copenhagen, to workout like a Norwegian or to make cinnamon buns like a Swede, this pocket edition of North  is the perfect introduction to the world's happiest countries.

Full of inspiration and ideas, how-tos and recipes to help you experience the very best of Scandinavian design, philosophy, cookery and culture, this honest behind-the-scenes look at the culture provides an invaluable insight into the wonderful and visually stunning world of  Scandinavia. Like her viking ancestors before her, Brontë Aurell left Denmark to explore the world beyond home shores and in her travels has come to understand the fascination with her kinfolk, as well as seeing the idiosyncrasies of the Scandinavian lifestyle that locals take for granted.

With a signature wit and a keen eye for detail, she takes you on a journey through fjords and mountains, farmlands and cities to better understand these three nations and what makes each one so unique. So get outdoors, learn the life lesson that there's no such thing as bad weather (only bad clothing) and you may discover your inner Scandi sooner than you think.
 

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Cultural

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 21, 2020

About the author

I’m Brontë, a food writer and co-founder of ScandiKitchen, a café, grocery shop, online store and wholesale business. After I moved from Denmark to the UK and started a career in finance, I quickly realised that wasn’t for me. After some happy years working for Innocent drinks, I launched ScandiKitchen with my Swedish husband Jonas on 10th July 2007 – and gave birth to our first child a few hours later, just for an additional challenge.

So far, I’ve authored a few cookery books and published my own guide to hygge after an essay I wrote about it caused a mini media controversy. My mostly non-food book Nørth: How To Live Scandinavian is a humorous, but incisive look at what it means to be Scandinavian. I also manage to get out of the kitchen to appear on TV and radio as a cook, guest chef and talking about life as an entrepreneur, as well as helping with brand and recipe development for various companies. I created the #proudimmigrant movement in 2014 as a response to my own experiences as someone from overseas living and working in the UK.

Reviews

[MischaS_ · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Quick ways to annoy a Scandinavian person

1. Talk about Scandinavia as if it's one country. It's not. We're not. We are all friends but we are not one. Nobody inside Scandinavia would ever brand themselves 'Scandinavian'."

Do I have to explain why it's ironical to have this sentence in this book?

It was okay. That's all I have to say; it was okay. Very brief, each country would have deserved a separate book.


***Advance Review Copy generously provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***

[Kirsty ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really interesting book about the people and countries that make up Scandinavia and how to live a little more like them. It's full of warmth and wit and great ideas. It's also full of beautiful pictures. A must read for anyone interested in the Scandi culture. 

[Melissa Borsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect book to curl up with by the fireplace and a cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows. Lots of inspirational ideas, how-to's and recipes to keep you busy all winter long. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this little book of all things Scandinavian and the range of similarities and differences of the three countries that comprise this term.
Having spent time in Sweden with family I found it both instructive and informative. The humour in the writing and easy going literary style made it a pleasure to read.
The book defines Scandinavia as Norway, Sweden and Denmark. The goes to talk about style, food and drink, culture, outdoor living, family living and celebrations.
A wonderful insight into these wonderful countries and their people and why we love IKEA, flights to their capitals and catching some hygge.
Swedish buns, Danish style and Norwegian cabin fever had me laughing out loud.
With beautiful pictures and such a range of detail from Vikings to Valhalla, Falu red to Fat Tuesday. I especially loved the non-political explanation of why their societies where so balanced and open. I may now appreciate their reserve in speaking to strangers knowing if you ease past that, you will have so much fun and friends for life.

[Dísir · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounding up...

I’m a self-confessed fan of all things Scandinavian and ‘The Little Book of Scandi-living’ felt like something I needed to read. And of course this handy little guide packs a punch, taking you past the mental road block of seeing past the Danes’ hot-fashion sense, ABBA, meatballs, Ikea and Norway’s unfair natural advantage of oil, fjords and mountains…if you aren’t Scandinavian.

I loved the wry humour in the descriptions about the way Swedes, Danes and Norwegians see each other but the typical guide on how to be either more Danish, Swedish or Norwegian had me laughing out loud, while trying to shape my mouth into the funny little sounds they make in the Nordic languages. There’re more anecdotes on the internal rivalry between these countries—petty, juvenile and so funny that I lapped it all up—which I hadn’t known at all, but there are also practical aspects which will actually apply to any country if you generally are understanding about how to behave like a decent human being without needing too much guidance.

The focus on only Denmark, Sweden and Norway seems a little unfair though, given the peripheral countries like Iceland and Finland are just mentioned in passing, but I’m guessing we all have Lonely Planet for those gaps.

*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley

[Macarena (followed that rabbit) · Rating 3 out of 5]

~This ARC has been gently provided in exchange for an honest review~

It's been interesting, informative, funny, and beatifully illustrated. Although, I would have prefered a book for every country located in the Scandinavian Peninsula, because, as the author points out, Scandinavian is a geographical definition, not a national one. Therefore, the Scandi living seems to me very general.

[Dee/ bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

#TheLittleBookofScandiLiving #NetGalley

Clean lines, beautiful pictures. Fall in love with this amazing place and this peaceful life!! Scandi Living is a wonderful glimpse into a 'something more' that your life could be. A chance to slow down and enjoy.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

[OjoAusana · Rating 5 out of 5]

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* This was a really interesting book, read the little book of Japanese living and I think this book really captured how more laid back "scandi living" is and definitely had some uh interesting foods lol tho not all of them sounded bad, might had to try the sandwich cake lmao very interesting and informational

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I liked this book and it's a neat introduction to Scandinavian living with a bunch of amazing photos, I was just a bit irked about some of the factual errors or lack of fact check at times, especially when it comes to language(s).

[AcademicEditor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a funny, fast read, a sort of self-conscious travel guide. It plays with the stereotypes of Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian culture. It's a great guide for someone planning to spend a bit of time in one or all of these countries. Great pictures and layout.

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for a digital ARC for the purpose of an unbiased review.

[Theediscerning · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hmmm… I liked some sections of this, where you got a proper look at Scandi Christmas, or the traditions of Lent and Easter, etc. Some fun asides such as untranslatable Nordic idiom or words with no English equivalent serve the trivially minded, too. But too much of this was trivial, in that it was quite heinous stereotype, saying that all Danes are this, all Norwegians think that, and nobody ever does that whatsoever. Yeah, right. Of course, it's all supposed to be the honest truth, the word from the horse's mouth and so on, as it's written by an actual, you know, Scandi person, but I just don't find such cod-journalistic generalisations worth the time. One and a half stars.

PS The Japanese equivalent/sister volume seemed a lot more factual and less opinion, but there was a weird file bug that meant I couldn't even read it.

[Julie M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mildly entertaining and I learned a few things about the other Nordic folks (besides Norwegians who are pretty familiar!!). For example, I hope to prepare appropriately for "Day of the Cinnamon Bun" coming up on October 4th (Sweden). Won't want to miss that. And at Christmas in Denmark, while opened doors represent a welcome to the spirits of loved ones, IRON BARS and KNIVES are placed above the door frames to keep evil out of the house! The Danes also believe that if you whistle in the evening, you'll call the Devil. (What's up with those Danes??). And Finland is technically not considered part of "Scandinavia". Huh? Not much at all about Iceland in this little book, whose narrator's tongue is firmly in cheek!

[Etienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Similar to the Japanese one. this one about Scandinavia. Very interesting, even more for me because I'm planning on going there on vacation next year, hopefully! It cover various aspects of this region and really help develop a better understanding of it while still stay a bit on the surface, a very good introduction book!

[Penmouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Little Book of Scandi Living by Bronte Aurell is a gem as the writing is witty while be educational. I painlessly learned about Scandinavian culture while reading Aurell's book. I also loved the gorgeous photos that accompanied the text.

Highly recommend.

Review written after downloading a galley from NetGalley.

[Emilė · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is quite a nice book for someone who is interested in Scandinavia, maybe already knows a bit of something but is a beginner at it. Or so I guess because it was a bit hard to tell what the intended audience is supposed to be. Some information was very very basic to the point where it was somewhat common knowledge (at least for Europeans) but there were also some cultural/social details that were mentioned briefly and not explained that I don't think many people already know. The problem is that the reader is assumed to already know what the "Helan går" song is, but the Christmas traditions, even those that are exactly the same in Europe for the most part, are explained in great detail, while it should probably be the other way around. There were also a few fact check issues for example with languages and a couple in mythology, which was weird for me because these are things that require very simple research. Other than that, I liked the humour and there were some new bits about Denmark and Norway that I enjoyed. Overall I would say the book is okay, but would benefit from editing and an additional fact check.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Anastasia Artemis Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this cute book! Full of facts, stories, and instructions on the Scandinavian way of life, the writing was humorous and playful. Loved the cute photos and illustrations. Also, great tips on how to make your life koselig, even during the polar night ;)

[Ioanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Do you know which countries make Scandinavia? How would you decorate your house like a Danish person? Why are Scandinavians considered the happiest people in the world? And do they really not talk a lot?

If you always had questions about Scandinavian countries, or if you just became curious about them now, The Little Book of Scandi Living will give you answers to all these questions and more! Complete with generous doses of humor, The Little Book of Scandi Living is simple, informative, and to-the-point. After all, it is a book about Scandi living!

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I read this book over the holiday break, hoping that it would provide some cozy, winter vibes. While many sections of this book do involve winter and cold weather activities, since it's all about life in the countries of Scandinavia, I found that it was a bit more of a quick run-through. The author is quite snarky and that feeling comes through when they describe differing attitudes and traditions amongst the various peoples of Scandinavia. To me, that was a bit distracting and took away some of my enjoyment of the book.

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the tone of this fun little book about Scandinavian countries. It's filled with photos and tidbits to help the reader understand the countries and their foods, personalities, customs and so on. I enjoyed reading the slightly tongue in cheek, actually interesting advice about everything from how to deal with the darkness to how to be more Danish to how to date a Scandinavian person to how to breakfast. The part about raising Scandi kids was fascinating and I appreciated that the author didn't say it was better than other countries, just different. Granted, I'm not from the region and I don't know very many people from any of these countries so I am no expert on the accuracy, but I found it to be a very enjoyable little read.

Temporary digital ARC provided by NetGalley.

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pour a cup of coffee for a fika break and grab this book. I never got into the weird American hygge obsession a few years ago, so I admittedly knew very little about Scandinavian culture before picking this up. I was expecting a cute little travel guide, but I got so much more.

Part comedy, part travel guide, part cultural explanation, part how to fit in as an outsider (if such a thing is even possible!) This book is an incredibly informative and at times hilariously witty approach to how to be more like the Scandinavians. I’d actually recommend it to anyone planning to move there.

From cultural traditions and food (with recipes) to Scandinavian vocabulary with no English equivalent, superstitions, and elves and trolls, this book covers it all and then some. You even get an overview of Norse mythology!

I used to consider myself a pretty open minded eater but after hearing about their foods, I realize I might starve in Scandinavia. Sheep’s head; mayonnaise, bread and fish cakes; fermented fish; fish in lye; and spaghetti with ketchup?! I love that she tells you what to order in the local language as a tourist though.

She cured my ignorance. I have always thought Finland was part of Scandinavia. Eek! Glad she set me straight about that right away. I now also know the difference between Nordic and Scandinavian. I love her descriptions of the Scandinavian countries. Sweden is the responsible older brother, Norway is outdoorsy and Denmark is the drunk little brother. Lol

My biggest takeaways:

Don’t make the mistake of calling someone from Scandinavia Scandinavian, and never talk to other people in Scandinavia unless you’re drunk or hiking!

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

The Little Book of Scandi Living is a cute tongue-in-cheek ode to all things Scandinavian. Due out 11th Feb 2020 from Quarto on their White Lion imprint, it's 160 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

This is a cute gift type book for the Scandi fans or maybe someone planning a trip to the Nordic countries. It's not extremely fact heavy, it's funny, and it does manage to hit some of the high notes. There's a lot of light-hearted competition and sibling rivalry between Norway, Denmark, and Sweden and this book includes a lot of the highlights.

It's very generalised (Norwegians do X, Danes do Y, and Swedes do Zed). I don't think the author meant for it to be taken literally, but I have noticed some stereotypes are stereotypes because they have some real life correlations.

The chapters are arranged thematically: style, food culture and etiquette, outdoor and family life, culture, and celebration. The book is liberally peppered with cheerful illustrations and photos.

All in all it's a cheerful and sweet book which will appeal to world travelers, dreamers, and folks who are proud of their Scandinavian heritage.

Three and a half stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Claire Herbaux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspired by “The Little Book of Japanese Living” to travel without leaving my seat, I finished this in one sitting.
Short chapters, dotted with some photos, makes it an easy read.
What exactly is Scandinavia? How do the three countries (yes, it’s only three, Finland is not officially in Scandinavia) differ? What do they have in common? And what do they think of each other?
Questions I didn’t even know I had have been answered.
Author Brontë Aurell jokes about the common stereotypes, the differences between the cultures and Sweden’s biggest export (apparently ten per cent of Europeans were conceived on an IKEA bed).
“Norwegians are born with skis on their feet. Uncomfortable for the mothers, but useful once they learn to stand up and navigate down snow-covered mountains. If you can't ski, don't move to Norway.”
A large portion of the book is reserved to Scandinavian food and eating habits, including the correct way to slice cheese and the brilliant (or not?) shop called Wine Monopoly.
But if you want to find out what it means to “swallow camels” or sliding on a prawn sandwich” then have a read yourself.

[Lori S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd like to thank Netgalley and White Lion Publishing for sharing an ARC in exchange for a fair review.

I wrote a report on Norway while in primary school and learned quite a bit at the time. But many decades later, my recall is rather hazy and then there's the limited scope of my research. Like most of us living outside the area, my understanding is pretty general and it's mostly due to pop culture that I know what I do know (or think I know). So it was great for this little book to come along and provide a quick education on Scandinavia. This book packs a lot into limited space. It covers topics from food to relationships to dealing with the dark days of winter. And it includes plenty of photographs to illustrate.

For what it is, it's a lovely book and is sure to entertain many of us interested in cultures other than our own.
Overall, I rate this 3.5 stars.

[Katrine Engelhardt Thomsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first of many guidebooks to Scandinavian people that I have enjoyed reading.
As a Scandinavian/Dane I often find myself rolling my eyes while reading "top 10 list of things to own if you want to hygge like a Dane" or "10 things to buy to make your home truly Swedish" or "Guide to the hidden world of Scandinavia"etc, but this book is exactly what it says it is. A little book of Scandi living. Its not trying to get you to buy anything, its not trying to tell you to change, its just trying to help you understand the lands (Danmark, Norway and Sweden) within Scandinavia and their people and their different and shared culture a bit better. And to make you aware of strange food and customs before you find yourself in a sticky (which the food can be) situation.

Worth your time and a nice and hyggelig read if you are considering visiting any of the Scandinavian countries.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and White Lion Publishing for the opportunity to read and give an honest review of this book.

I would have given this book 6 stars if it were possible! I laughed out loud all the way through it.

Even though I am a granddaughter of Swedish immigrants, we still have many customs and traditions from the ‘old country’, as they called it. The Christmas traditions and foods were especially familiar to me. Our family continues these traditions with children and grand children.

The comparison between Denmark, Norway, and Sweden were very interesting. These countries don’t necessarily want to be perceived as one unit. They want to be seen as individual, with their own attributes and quirks.

The book covered: foods, traditions, clothing, climate, activities, hygge, and much more. It is an entertaining glimpse into what makes Scandinavian countries, culture, and people so interesting.

[J. d'Merricksson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Little Book of Scandi Living by Brontë Aurell is a culturalist's dream! This nifty little tome gives a great overview of the region known as 'Scandinavia', and the countries that comprise it. Aurell points out that each of these countries is unique in it's own way, aside from the umbrella term. This dives into different cultural aspects, including clothing, language, and holidays. I especially loved the language sections, with the idioms unique to each culture. If I still taught cultural awareness classes, this book would surely end up in one! Highly recommended, especially if you enjoy learning about different cultures.

***Many thanks to the Netgalley & Quarto Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for allowing me to read and review this book.

Having some Norwegian heritage, I was interested in getting more information on what it means to be Scandinavian. This book was a fantastic way to enjoy, celebrate, and learn more about the region, including Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. It was fun to read about the traditions, festivities, food, and holidays of these countries.

I especially enjoyed the humor that was infused throughout the book, as it helped to make everything more readable and enlightening. Anyone who wants to know more about Scandinavian people should read and enjoy this book.

[Marie-Helene Fasquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely idea and book! I loved everything about it: the magnificent and dainty pictures, the tongue-in-cheek humour (How to date a Scandinavian, How to wear a Norwergian jumper, Quick way to annoy a Scandinavian person...). I also loved the authenticity which we can feel permeates this little book, but also the cultural aspects, the recipes. I enjoyed reading about the customs and various aspects of life (family life...).Thank you Quarto Publishing group & Net Galley!
#TheLittleBookofScandiLiving #NetGalleyFrance

[joyce w. laudon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much has now been written about hygge, lagom, fika and other takes on Scandinavian culture. Now that winter is here, this may be the perfect time to learn more about the Scandinavian countries and what makes each unique.  This gorgeously illustrated, at times tongue in cheek, book is a good starting point. Subjects covered include style, food, the outdoors, family life, culture and celebrations.  Enjoy your trip to Sweden, Norway and Denmark with Bronte Aurell; he makes quite a guide.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.

[Katie Cat Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nonfiction. Culture. Scandinavia.

From hygge and lagom to Jul and Midsommer, this book breaks down Scandinavian living by country. It focuses mainly on Sweden, Denmark and Norway.

Filled with dozens of photographs this is a fast read. While fact based, the author inserts his own humor into the pages.

Oddly, there is no about the author section, but the book reads as if he is an outsider looking in, albeit one who has many years experience in the three countries.

This book made me chuckle, chortle and laugh out loud. A fun and entertaining read.