All language subtitles for Som du ser meg - I Belong - CD1

I BELONG

I don't know. That's what's so...
Did they get your car?

-No
-You've been lucky.

-They've punctured all the others.
-We should call the police.

-Hi. I'm Steinar.
-Eva Cecilie.

Hello. Come in, come in.

You had no problems finding the way?

It went just fine.

-You didn't have any trouble parking?
-No, I took the bus.

Well, here we are.
Feel free to use the sofa.

You want something to drink? Tea?

Yes please.

What sort would you like? Black tea.
green tea. Women's Energy Organic?

-Chamomile tea?
-I'll have chamomile.

-You want honey with that?
-Yes please.

Thanks.

Interesting language.
Your first book?

-Short stories?
-A novel.

Well, I leafed through it last night.
It's subtle.

-Has it sold well?
-Yeah, I think so.

Hey, my throat is a bit sore.
I hope it's not a problem?

It depends on whether
you sound different.

Well, it's hard
for me to tell, but...

I guess we'll just have to try
and see how it goes.

Is this the first time
you make an audio book?

Many choose to use an actor.

Well, we'll have to try and see.

Just come with me.

Okay.

Go ahead.

-"When you least expect it".
-What?

That's the title.
"When you least expect it".

-Shall I start over?
-Yes.

"When you least expect it".

"This story began with
the King's annual New Year speech."

As usual, it was full of goodness
and hope for humanity.

In a time that often
emphasises the superficial, -

- it is easy to lose sight of
the value of the individual person.

It is the value that each of us have
simply through being human.

This shooting star of creation, -

- this union of the laws of nature
and mysteries of the soul.

There is only one of each of us,
and we are all irreplaceable.

Most of us know that such speeches
are merely specks of gold-

- that lend a touch of humanity
to festive occasions.

"And when the moment passes,
the realisation will return" -

- 'that reality is more complex."

Something about the King's
words echoed in many people -

- that winter and spring, including
three women in Granliveien.

They woke up one day hoping
it was all a misunderstanding.

That it would work out anyway.

But life's bothersome trivialities
were waiting at their doorstep.

-What's happened?
-Look at this!

They've punctured
every single tyre here.

-Did they get your car?
-No.

You've been lucky. Typical.
Now I'll be late for work.

I can give you a lift if you want.
Where are you going?

-Aker Hospital.
-No problem. You want a lift as well?

-Could I really?
-Thank you so much.

It's so low.

I know people may need
to vent their frustration, but...

Slashing tires seems pointless.
But maybe that's the whole idea.

To do something that feels
as pointless as life itself.

It wasn't Lise Gundersen's day.

"She was heading for work,
and with it a workplace conflict" -

- 'she'd unexpectedly
been drawn into."

Hi. Lise.

It had begun three weeks earlier,
when Lise reluctantly agreed -

- to mentor a student.

Hey, we'll get new interns next week.
Would you like to mentor one of them?

Me? Well...
I haven't mentored an intern before.

-Then it's about time you did.
-I see. Right.

-I'm not sure I'm suitable.
-You'll get instruction in advance.

All the others have mentored.
I think it's your turn.

-I didn't know we took turns.
-Not in theory. But in practice.

Don't you agree everyone should
take their turn? Do their part?

-Isn't that most fair?
-Absolutely. That's not what I mean.

I'd love to do it,
but don't know if I should.

Why not? You just have to gauge
her performance. You're very skilful.

-I guess I have no choice.
-I can't force you.

-That's not what I meant.
-Relax. Okay?

Very good.

Lise didn't have any problem
doing her share. On the contrary.

She always helped out.
But this was different.

She liked her job as it was,
and didn't need more.

She knew she should be
open to new challenges.

It could be a development
opportunity for her.

"But to what?" Lise thought.

I've been asked to be mentor,
or contact nurse, for a student.

Mentor?
How does that work?

I'll follow her up during the
internship, evaluate her performance.

-Do you have the competence for that?
-I'm a nurse.

-I'll get a course.
-How exciting.

-A challenge.
-I don't know.

-Will you get extra pay?
-I don't know, but I hardly think so.

-But you should.
-I agree.

You should ask for something. It's
extra work. You deserve compensation.

I don't think that's how it works.
We take turns.

Besides, I get a free course.

They should pay you to attend.

It's not as if skill development
is a fringe benefit.

It seems to be a sort of mentality
in the health sector, that -

- you should be working for free.

It's typical of women to insist that
honest work and decent pay don't mix.

It's not. Hello? Suddenly it's
all about getting me a raise.

But that's not... Well, the problem.

Not what it's about.

-What's the matter?
-I don't know.

I'm not sure I like challenges.

I don't have any management skills.

I'd be afraid to say something wrong.

Lise's husband was a real catch.
She could discuss anything with him.

He seemed to have a gift for
making her see the bright side.

My little darling.

You worry too much.

Don't do it if you don't want to.
But if you do, you'll do a great job.

-You think so?
-I know it.

She often thought about it
when watching a sad movie, -

- or tending a severely hurt patient,
how lucky she as to have him.

Hey? Can I read something for you?

Sure.

She hung her dreams in the wind
Here we flutter

Come 'world, be a letter
Not life

But claw marks of a life

-You're not that fond of poetry.
-No?

You're not really that interested.

Aren't you happy with me?

I'm happy with everything but that.

You can't have everything.

-Are you happy with me?
-Isn't it evident?

-Lise, has he had his medication?
-Yes, certainly.

-This is Siri Helene Kvernland.
-Just call me Siri.

Lise Gundersen 'will be your mentor.

Right, take the expectation
interview first.

I've shown her around the ward.

Okay. Welcome.
Any problems getting here?

-No, I vent by bus.
-Right. Exactly.

Let's sit down and start
by reviewing the procedures.

We can start here. Our procedures
are all described in this booklet.

It's easy to relate to. When in
doubt, you can simply consult it.

Everything you need to know
is written here. This is okay. Look.

Great. I've seen a few
procedure booklets before.

I mean, they're on the Internet.
But this is good.

-I'll start by leafing through it.
-Yes, have a look.

And it went well.

After all, this was Lise's speciality.

She found it easy to convey.

And Siri was a bright student.

-Hi there. How's it going?
-Good.

-Don't you think?
-Yes, absolutely.

-It's going very well.
-I'm glad to hear. See you.

Could you give us a hand, Lise?

Could you start?
Is it okay by you?

Yes, I'm sure it'll be fine.

Let's see...

Just tell me if...

It hurts a bit, I know.

-Everything okay?
-Yes.

Oh, that's better. Thank you.

Right.
Now everything should be in order.

Anything wrong?

No, it's fine, and I should
have mentioned it before.

You must remember to always
use gloves when treating wounds.

Bacteria are everywhere.
It's easy to forget.

You might as well make a habit of
always putting them on at once.

You're talking about in there?
I washed my hands before I started.

-Isn't that enough?
-I'm afraid not.

Because...
I was going to put them on.

But I dropped one on the floor, and
decided it was better not to use it.

Right, but hat you should've done,
was throw it away and get a new pair.

But hey, I know what you thought.
You'd washed your hands...

Lise as startled
when she saw what Siri had done.

She realised she hadn't
been prepared to discipline her.

"All in all. Lise thought
she'd handled it well."

"Until the next incident
a few days later."

-Can I have my painkillers no?
-Of course.

They're on your nightstand.
Siri, could you just...

Right.

There you go. Hey?

Come outside and close the door.

Okay, what you did right now,
the way you handled the pills...

-Was there a problem with that?
-Yes. Was that completely hygienic?

-I used gloves.
-Yes, but...

-Gloves used on another patient.
-But I was only watching.

Yes, but you must wash your hands
when moving to another patient.

Read about it in the procedures.
It's incredibly important.

Okay. So I should've taken my
gloves off and washed my hands?

It sounds laborious, but that's
ho it is. Is it a problem?

-No, if it's in the procedures...
-It is.

Why doesn't she see
the importance of hygiene?

If she doesn't improve,
I'll have to flunk her.

-Is it that bad?
-Yeah.

Maybe you should have a word
with her. Tell her where she stands.

Yes, I know.

That's what's so difficult.

You can do it, you know.
You're a good communicator.

Hi. I thought I'd ask you how she's
doing. What's her name again? Siri.

Mostly quite well.

She shows sound judgement, and...

-But she's careless about hygiene.
-That can be quite serious.

And it's elementary stuff. Forgetting
gloves when changing bandages etc.

-That won't do. Have you told her?
-Yeah, I have.

-I'm not sure she takes it seriously.
-She has to.

Breach of hygiene procedures
is enough to fail.

And she shouldn't be 'washing
her hands for fear of flunking.

-She must understand.
-What shall I say?

I can't dictate
your precise wording, dear.

But if you think it's that serious,
she needs a warning in writing -

- at least three weeks
before the end of her term.

-Isn't that very dramatic?
-Failing is dramatic.

You've cautioned her verbally.
Write a warning and give it to Siri.

It will be reviewed at a meeting
with me, you, Siri and her tutor.

-When's the mid-term evaluation?
-Next week.

We'll do it then.
You summon the meeting.

So I'll just leave it
until the meeting?

No, you have to handle the issues
as they arise. That's your job.

Okay.

Right.

Hi, have you had lunch?

Say in five minutes? Then we can set
a date for the mid-term evaluation.

-Yeah, okay.
-Great.

Okay, Friday the 6th.
Will you tell my tutor?

Yes, okay.

I hope I get another chance
at setting a venous catheter.

-It's a challenge.
-It sure is.

I think you did well. With some
practice, you'll be excellent.

-You think so?
-I think you do very well in general.

You have a basic understanding,
which is really important.

It's just the hygiene bit,
but you'll get a letter about that.

It's no big deal. But cautioning
a student has to be done in writing.

You'll get it on Monday. Don't worry.

A written caution?
What do you mean?

We've talked a lot about hygiene.

The importance of using gloves
when changing bandages.

-Washing your hands between patients.
-Right.

But I think I'm attentive to that.

Am I so sloppy
that I need a written caution?

Maybe. No offence.
but I've mentioned it before.

-It could be enough to fail, so...
-Fail?

What? Are you saying I'll flunk
because I don't wash my hands well?

-Well, let's not jump to conclusions.
-What do you mean?

I'm just trying to say... Oh dear.

I have to make sure you realise
the importance of hygiene.

-I know hygiene is important. Really.
-Good.

I'm not trying to scare you. I just
have to know you take it seriously.

Now I know that you do. So you don't
have to think about it any more.

-Because I take it seriously. Really.
-That's great.

It'll be just fine.

By the way...

-Are you from England or something?
-No.

-And you don't have relatives there?
-No.

-Why do you ask? Do you?
-No, no.

It's nothing. It's just unusual when
people suddenly switch to English.

You think so?
A lot of people do it.

He's been recumbent so long
that his musculature has weakened.

His blood pressure plummeted
when he got up. Have a look at him.

I think he needs a little...
Sorry, I have to handle this.

Siri? Excuse me?

Did you clean your hands
before leaving the washroom?

-Yes, I did.
-Okay.

Did you have the time? To me it
looked like you just popped in there.

I don't get it.

Are you calling me a liar?
You weren't there.

No, but how did you do it
in such a short time?

Speak Norwegian, please. I can't take
it anymore. You accuse me of lying.

It's pretty gross.

And speak Norwegian, goddammit!

Lise struggled to
express herself In writing.

She thought everything
she wrote sounded strict.

She didn't want Siri to fail but her
conscience bound her to the truth.

My god!

I can't believe it.

-What's happened?
-Look at this!

-They've punctured every single tyre.
-What?

-Hello?
-Hi, Lise.

I've written the caution.
Could you look at it?

Could we have the evaluation
meeting on Friday?

-The meeting is now.
-Right now?

Haven't you heard?
I should have told you. Sorry.

Siri filed a complaint against you.
Anne Mona represents the college.

-Lise Gundersen.
-Anne Mona Lerkebakke.

-Complaint? About hat?
-Poor and misleading instruction.

She says you communicate poorly.
Is that right?

-No... Uh... What do you mean?
-Well, well.

This is unpleasant, but the report
may clarify your view. Can I see it?

Right, we talked about that. Okay...

Well, if this is correct,
she's not qualified to pass.

There's Siri.

Well, the meeting can start.
I'll copy the report first.

Maybe you can fetch a Thermos
of coffee and some cups?

-Coffee?
-Just half a cup.

No thanks, I get heartburn.

-Right, have you read Lise's report?
-Yes.

Well, I must say that I think
there's good reason for this caution.

I think I need a new mentor.
I didn't get proper instruction.

It sounds wild, but Lise's
been after me from day one.

She deliberately tries to
confuse me by speaking English.

I didn't want to say anything,
but when she accused me of lying, -

- I could no longer remain silent.

You're saying
the report is incorrect?

I rinsed the pans in the washroom,
cleaned my hands and left.

Lise says you couldn't
have had the time.

-Yes, but she's mistaken.
-So how long were you in there?

-Maybe ten seconds. I'm quick.
-How long was she in there?

Ten seconds sounds right.
She may have rinsed her hands.

But washing them properly
takes more time.

-I agree with Lise.
-I'm afraid she's right.

I should point out that she's been
cautioned about hygiene before.

-So it's nothing new.
-No.

I know I wasn't attentive
enough to hygiene at first.

But I pulled myself together
ahead of the evaluation.

That doesn't sound good at all.
The evaluation can't be the reason.

It must be because you want to
do your job thoroughly and safely.

That came out wrong, but...

The point is that I've improved.
And she fails to mention -

- that I washed my hands again when
I returned to the patient's room.

She had a difficult wound.
so I was extra careful about hygiene.

It's not mentioned here.
Didn't you notice. Lise?

-No.
-Because you weren't there.

You ere in the corridor.

You may have noticed that I was
drying my hands when you returned.

But that's not the point.

You must scrub
before leaving the washroom.

-See? She keeps speaking English.
-I agree we have to follow procedure.

But she washed her hands
before seeing the next patient.

-Why wasn't it in the report?
-I don't know. Sorry, but...

Let's speak Norwegian now.
You ere saying?

I don't know. Sorry.
Okay. I didn't notice that, but...

-Well. I don't believe her.
-See what I mean?

-Why are you speaking English?
-It's been like that all along.

She switches to English whenever she
corrects me. It's hard to relate to.

At first I thought she was joking.

-Is it true?
-Well. I mean...

Maybe I use some English
occasionally. Don't we all?

-No. I don't. It's not usual.
-It's no good.

If it's true, which it evidently is,
it can't be easy for the student.

Since Siri's done so well earlier.
I would suggest -

- that she continue her internship
with another mentor.

Do you really think so?

Well, maybe it's the only solution.

It's a strange situation. There's
evidently communication problems.

It's possible she's mistaken.
But in any case, Siri, -

- you have to take hygiene seriously
in this business.

You realise we can't have nurses
that pose a risk to patients.

Do you hear me? Look at me!

Do you even understand
what I'm saying? Do you?

Good.

Gro Søreide speaking?

Yes, but I checked her today.

Just a moment.

Lise?
We have to talk more about this.

Come by hen you have time.

-Hi.
-Hi.

Are you okay? We should've talked.

It's been hectic. I came by
after lunch. You were in a meeting.

I've been busy all day.
We still have to talk.

-Did you find it hard?
-Being a mentor, you mean?

-No, not really.
-Surely there were some problems?

Maybe you should talk to someone?

Like an occupational psychologist.
I'll arrange it.

The personnel department has just
hired a human resources consultant.

Oh? Well. I don't know...

In my view, this boils down
to a communication problem.

But you can get help, you know.

So you think I communicate poorly?

You can always get better. I think
you should see the consultant.

Think about it.
We'll talk again over the weekend.

-Well, well. Another day is done.
-That's a nice top.

Thanks. Almost new.
Bought it in Paris. Silk.

-Paris? Did you go with your husband?
-No, with friends. I'm not married.

-Okay. I thought you were married?
-No, although I'm seeing someone.

Been there, done that.

Marriage and children are overrated.
Not my cup of tea.

But you mustn't worry about this.
It'll be fine.

Okay?

-Think about what I said. Bye.
-Goodbye.

-Hi.
-Hi.

We've got visitors? Lise.

-Mads.
-Hi. How nice. Right.

-Are you making dinner?
-Pasta and tuna salad.

-Is it enough? We've got chicken.
-It's okay.

How was your day?

-Pretty tiring.
-What happened?

Well, there 'vere some problems
with the student I was mentoring.

I'm a nurse. I've been mentoring
a student. She was about to fail.

-Was there trouble?
-Yes, but must we talk about it?

-Why not? Tell us what happened.
-Well...

She claimed she didn't understand
what I meant when I corrected her.

That it was my fault because
I chose the wrong wording.

I don't know. She claimed
I spoke English and so on.

But you do. Mom switches
to English when she's uncertain.

-No, come on...
-But you do.

-Right, dad?
-Maybe she does.

Are you born in England? Some revert
to their mother tongue under stress.

-If your parents are British...
-They're not.

-No wonder the student reacted.
-It's not that uncommon either.

I saw many complaints against mentors
when I was a student representative.

I don't feel like talking about it.

And I shouldn't.
I have confidentiality.

Don't let it get to you.

You'll get another chance.
It'll be different.

I don't want another chance.

I don't want to do it again.
It's been a horrible experience.

Right now I just want to quit.
I don't see how I can ever return.

You can't just quit, you know.

Your job means the world to you.

Shall I read you a poem?

I don't think I feel like it.

Talking in bed ought to be easiest

Lying together there goes back so far

An emblem of to people being honest

Yet more and more time
passes silently

Outside, the wind's
incomplete unrest

builds and disperses clouds
about the sky

And dark towns heap up on the horizon

None of this cares for us

Nothing shows why

At this unique distance
from isolation

it becomes still more difficult to
find words at once true and kind

Or not untrue

And not unkind

-I could newer get by without you.
-Sure.

-I think you could.
-Could you get by without me?

I can't imagine life without you.

Sometimes I wonder what
I'd do if you died or left me.

-I on't leave you. We're married.
-But you might grow tired of me.

How could I ever grow tired of you?

I don't know. It could happen.

Maybe you'd want to
be with someone else?

Who might that be?

-Why do you ask? Do you?
-Me? No.

You may be attracted to others
even though you're married.

It would have to be David Beckham.

-David Beckham? Why, are you joking?
-No.

He's got a great body.

Does that make you upset?

No.

Lise wondered
whether she'd been mistaken.

It's hard to feel completely safe
and free at the same time.

And Lise, ho'd thought they
necessitated each other, realised-

- she'd got it all wrong.

Translator Grete Maigret
had similar thoughts.

She was to meet her editor to turn
down a book she couldn't vouch for.

Though it meant
disloyalty to her publisher, -

- risking her job and a friend.

-Where are you going?
-If you could... When you reach...

Could you drop me off by Tullinlokka?

-I can drive you all the way.
-How kind of you.

Sorry, can we take a break?
I need to use the restroom.

Yeah, okay. It's in the corridor.

It's down the hallway, the first door
to the left. By the entrance.

Grete Maigret had never had to choose
between loyalty and integrity before.

Most people wouldn care.

But for Grete Maigret became
a problem of existential dimensions.

She cherished her integrity.
For her, jeopardising it -

- was a question of having
something to live for or not.

When Grete Maigret was 16...

Sorry, you sure you're
not pronouncing it wrong?

-No, it's a French name. Maigret.
-Is she French?

No, she took the name.

When Grete Maigret was 16, she was a
small-town girl called Ellen Jensen.

Maybe you should adjust your
voice here since Grete is sleeping.

One summer evening, she went with
her boyfriend to listen to records.

But instead she was strapped to a bed
and raped by him and his buddy.

She never told anyone.

"Instead she completed
high school in another town."

"After her parents passed away, she
took the name of her grandaunt," -

- "who'd married a Belgian,
hence the surname Maigret."

Grete Maigret had no siblings and
apart from a couple of colleagues, -

- she had no friends.

When she heard about rape on the
radio, she felt a certain solidarity.

Even community. But she knew it was
only a semblance of community.

And that you don't want to identify
with others in the same situation.

She'd struggled to get over her past.
When she now looked in the mirror, -

- she saw a translator not a victim.

But though you take every precaution.
protection is never complete.

Something will inevitably penetrate
even the most advanced defences.

For Grete the assault happened -

- the day she went to meet
her new editor for the first time.

Her former editor
had died unexpectedly.

Grete Maigret, who was translating
a new book, got a new editor.

She'd just joined
the publishing house.

And Grete Maigret
had never met her before.

Yes?

Hi! Come in.
Grete Maigret. Oh my god!

I've really looked forward to meeting
you. I've always been a huge fan.

Ever since I read "Life's a Party".
Great translation.

And "The Solipsism Syndrome". Jeez.

The astounding vocabulary
you created there.

And I must say you have
exceptionally good taste as well.

You suggested them
for translation, right?

That's wonderful.
Really, really wonderful.

Would you like something to drink?
Tea? Coffee? No?

I don't quite know here to start.
I've read the manuscript.

I don't know how you usually work.
It feels odd, -

- taking over a project halfway,
but...

You must have known Ragnar well.
You worked with him for years. Pity.

Here it is. It's still his office.
I've tried to tidy up a bit.

-Make it mine. So I can find stuff.
-Obviously.

But hey, what do you think about
the manuscript? Is it finished?

Almost. Not much left. Have
you read the English translation?

Yes, or...

No. I'm reading it,
but I haven't got through it yet.

Well, it's not bad.

But I feel they misinterpret
a main character, Stefan.

He's portrayed as a victim.

But in the original, he uses
his tragedy more offensively.

-Do you know what I mean?
-No.

Instead of resigning, he accepts it,
and eagerly awaits the next disaster.

He feels cast in a novel that gets
more thrilling as things fall apart.

That's what makes the book exciting.

-Doesn't that sound improbable?
-Not really.

-Well, maybe not improbable...
-It's survival.

Accepting pain as part of life.
Embracing it instead of avoiding it.

Jesus.
I'm getting images of childbirth.

Do you have children? No? I have one.

But you're right. Life would probably
be easier if you thought that way.

I don't know if making
it easier is the point.

Hell ill be hell in any case.

I should've been better prepared.

I'll reread both your version
and the English translation.

But could we meet again soon?
Maybe over the weekend? Okay?

And thanks for now.

It's been a great pleasure
to meet you. Really.

Simply talking to you
feels like an enrichment.

-Well, goodbye.
-Bye.

Hi. Grete.

I brought my child to work.
He has a father.

But he's busy today, so mom
has to step in. Just go inside.

-Nice blouse.
-You think so? Thank you.

I got it in NYC. Mixed organic fibre.
Wonderful. Feel how soft it is.

Yes, lovely.

-You've moved the desk?
-Yes.

I've been trying to make it mine.

I'd have preferred a smaller one.

-It comes with a responsibility.
-That's exactly how it feels.

Yes, are you hungry? Are you hungry?

There. Yes. Are you so hungry?

Well, Grete.
I've finished reading the book.

I think you were right about
the English translation.

What a depressing book!
It's great.

-But there's no hope for anyone.
-Hope?

-Hope?
-Yes, hope.

Maybe not. But that's irrelevant.
That's not what it's about.

-No? What do you think it's about?
-Well, you tell me.

I think it explores the concept
of humanity, what it might be.

Evil is often described as inhuman.
This means we associate human -

- with good. But when you see
what humans do to each other, -

- you soon realise we're not
particularly good, on the contrary.

Is that 'what you think?
Isn't that very brutal?

We mustn't be afraid to be serious.

No, we won't be afraid
to be serious, will ve?

Oops.

Sorry, I think I have
to change his diapers.

Hey? Hey!

In one end, out the other.
Hey, let's see. Wow...

Sorry about that. Really. But...

-This is as good as done.
-Yes.

We should start discussing the
next title. I have a few on my list.

But what are you reading now?

-I keep a stack on the nightstand.
-Right.

Tell me if there's something
you love. I really want your input.

Just so you know. Think about it.

We'll talk later. Bye.

Bye. Grete. Goodbye, Gretchen.

Grete Maigret felt the strain.

It wasn't unusual for her
to suggest books for translation.

But suddenly it felt imperative
to find the right book -

- as soon as possible.

Hi.

-Could you give this to Anne?
-Sure.

Are you here, Grete?
Do we have an appointment?

-No, I just stopped by with a book.
-Which one?

Julia Schütz?
That's great. I've just read it.

I was thinking about you when
I read it. What a coincidence!

Are you in a hurry?
I've got a lunch appointment.

Can we walk and talk?
Great!

They're making a park here.
I'd have preferred a building.

Like a futuristic swimming hall.
I think Oslo lacks daring buildings.

But don't you like trees,
open spaces? It's usually the case -

- when on rare occasions a new park
is opened, people throng to it.

-Doesn't that prove they need it?
-Yes, but people need art as well.

Imagine, we fell for the same book!
"Einfache Atonale Stücke für Kinder".

-What a great title!
-I didn't know you read German.

-I prefer the original language.
-I should've known.

How could you have?
I really like Julia Schütz.

She as more or less
presented as a sensation -

- at the Frankfurt Book Fair
four or five years ago.

Her first novel had just come out.
Have you read it?

A big hit in Germany.
A wonder nobody's picked her up here.

Well, I knew about her, but her
books didn't interest me much.

They remind me of omen's pulp.
Sorry.

But this one's different.
It's on another literary level.

Short, dry, but excellent.

It felt like eating crispbread
with cured ham.

The foundation crumbles as you eat,
and you're left with the spread.

-Do you understand what I mean?
-No, that doesn't sound good.

-Why do you want to translate it?
-Precisely because nothing happens.

Everything important
evaporates as you read.

While the superficial remains.
like an exclamation mark.

It's brilliant social analysis. And
it's not boring, not for a second.

-Demanding to read, but not boring.
-Great.

"Demanding to read, but not boring."
You're right.

I found it really moving.

It's probably
a key feminist work as well, right?

I'd say so. A wonder
nobody's translated it yet.

-Well, would you like me to start?
-Read some of her other books first.

I agree this is the best.

But if ve're to build a readership
for this author, I think 've must -

- start with some of her earlier,
lighter works.

I'll have them sent to you.

Hi! I suggest that we
start with her first novel.

It's really a pearl.
It's so immediate, you know.

But hey, we'll talk later. Bye!

Hi!

Could you sign here?

Oh. Grete.

Grete Maigret read on,
increasing dejected.

"Trash," she thought.

Should you translate trash?

"Hi. Anne. Thanks for the books
you sent me. I've read them all."

"It's true that Julia's
first books have qualities."