When she meets Britt on the train to Lillehammer, Vinde has a lot to talk about. About how to run quickly while wearing Cherrox rubber boots. About the big window she’s named after. About Ronald wearing his Superman costume, and about her mum – who left for New York in order to keep a cool head.

As Vinde speaks, questions arise. But perhaps some answers will come to light, too?

Through text consisting only of a dialogue between a child and an adult, this book immerses us in some funny situations – as well as some difficult thoughts about emotions such as guilt. The book is beautifully illustrated by prize-winning illustrator Rune Markhus. A unique and original book.

Praise

“All textual sideshows are pared back; Vilde Kamfjord plays masterfully with the literary concept of showing, not telling. (…) Exciting debut by a decidedly promising author.“
5 out of 6 stars, Tønsberg blad

“It’s not just the originality and idea behind the book that are exciting. On the Detour Home is quite simply strong, elaborate literature.”
Gudbrandsdølen Dagningen

“Vilde Kamfjord debuts with an original and moving portrayal of an incidental encounter between a little girl and a grown-up woman on a train.”
Dag og Tid

“Sprightly debut that takes kids seriously. The children’s book On the Detour Home offers up an unusually fine collaboration between author and illustrator.“
NRK

“The effortless oral language Kamfjord puts in the protagonists’ mouths provides a reading experience that in many ways is reminiscent of what it’s like to sit on the bus or train and listen to unfamiliar people exchanging words between themselves. [...] At her best, Kamfjord is a writer with the ability to create an enthralling universe with images that attach themselves to the retina and stay there. The openness of the dialogue between Britt and Vinde, and the contrasting levels of the conversation, give the text the potential to reach far beyond the target audience.”
Periskop

“A strong and innovative debut, a children’s novel that grows and expands on repeated readings.”
barnebokkritikk.no

Vilde Harr Kamfjord

Publications