Author meeting: Nanna Holm on 'Red Gates'

What happens when the stories we've told ourselves about our growing up start to crack? Can you ever get rid of, or just come to terms with, the past?

With 'Red Gates', Nanna Holm has written a touching, stylish and immersive novel about communities, ideals and the traces childhood leaves in us.

The novel alternates between past and present and takes the reader to the leisure collective 'Red port' at Langeland in the 1980s. Here were dreams of freedom, community and the possibility of alternative living. But there were shadow sides, too.

'Red Gates' follows the three childhood friends Mona, Gry and Aske, who all grew up in the collective, but as adults falter in life and try to make sense of a seminal summer which came to shape the rest of their lives.

With great psychological insight and an impressive look at human relationships, Nanna Holm unfolds a tale of love, failure, remembrance and of ideals that can both shape and pursue.

The novel has been praised for its depiction of communities and families, its strong character portraits, and its elegant way of weaving past and present together. It is a novel that settles into one, gives food for thought and invites conversation.

Hear more about the book and meet the author behind it when cultural journalist Karen Secher interviews Nanna Holm about the acclaimed debut.

MøDNanna Holm (b. 1977) holds an MSc in Rhetoric from the University of Copenhagen and has worked for many years in the communications industry. 'Red Port' is her debut novel. Karen Secher is a cultural journalist and radio host on the P1 program “Parnasset” Practical InformationThe event takes place at Christianshavn Library. In the room Othello at. 1 sal.Find the road address: Dronningensgade 53, 1420 Copenhagen KMetro: Get off at Christianshavn Station (M1/M2). Approx. 5 minutes walk via Dronningensgade.Bus: Get off at Christianshavn Torv — 5 minutes walk.Bike: Bicycle parking at the library.Car: Paid parking in the area.