Hygge

June 19, 2017
Danish actress Soderberg stitches together a multilayered description of hygge, a key Danish value, in this delightful book. It’s not an easy thing to do—hygge is at once a verb, an adjective, and a noun; the pronunciation guide included in the book requires a full (albeit short) page. Still Soderberg does her best (and her best is quite good) to compile information about what can be simply described as a “safe haven” that Danes have long created in their homes. By employing striking multisourced photography, the author efficiently illustrates how the concept applies to different rooms in a home. She also describes family traditions and foods that embody hygge, and playlists, plants, gifts, and heirlooms that might inspire an understanding of it. Although Danish expatriates interviewed here report finding hygge throughout the world, Soderberg suggests that its foundation in Denmark is especially strong because of the need there to huddle indoors as “nature is raging outside.” The book concludes with a brief but impassioned plea to maintain hygge in the face of both left- and right-wing criticism and threats from social media and other features of modern life. The book’s calming nature and simplicity make it a lovely escape from a rather noisy world.

July 1, 2017

There is no English word for the Danish term hygge (pronounced hoo-gah), but most people can relate to its meaning--a cozy sense of well-being, brought about by, for example, candles, a mug of hot chocolate, or a quiet evening with friends. Hygge can be incorporated into everyday life, says Danish actress Sϕderberg, and her book informs readers on how to cook, decorate, entertain, and be inspired the hygge way. The author weaves into the text color photographs, recipes, craft ideas, and even a music playlist to jump-start readers' venture into this joyful way of life. VERDICT A fun, relevant, and beneficial addition to any public library collection.

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