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From one of Scandinavia's finest and best-loved novelists comes a startlingly intimate and powerful portrait about the fragile, yet irrevocable bond between a young girl and her dying mother.
Following a number of moves from one shabby rental to another, they―the mother and daughter of this elusive, strangely riveting novel set in 1980s Denmark―now reside in an apartment over the hairdresser shop in the same island town where they've always lived. It's only ever been the two of them, and they are so enmeshed that it can be hard to tell them apart: they share the same manners, habits, and opinions to an almost comic degree. ("The shrubberies are dotted with crocuses, they don't care for crocuses.") One day the mother feels a lump in her throat, and, as our young heroine reflects, "nothing's the way it is." While the mother is in and out of the hospital, the daughter―barely sixteen and just starting high school―makes new friends (Tove Dunk, Hafni, Bob, and Desert Boots) and meets a few boys, but she remains essentially alone. In its splintering, multi-layered, perpetual present tense, where the borders of time seemingly expand, flatten, and dissolve, Helle finds an unexpectedly moving voice for her heroines' pain, one which rises almost wordlessly to the surface of the prose, to then reach across and profoundly touch the reader. A poignant coming-of-age story and a comedy of errors, they is also a billet-doux to the fashions and fads of the island of Lolland, Helle's childhood home: she painstakingly records what people wore, how they spoke, and the kinds of things they ate ("cauliflower gratin" and "macaroni horns in the tomato soup"). Gorgeously rendered into English by the prize-winning translator Martin Aitken, they is an exquisite small-town portrait―oblique, calibrated, and oddly affecting―of the love between a mother and daughter, of all its attendant longing, and the inevitable letting go.
What did you think of The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell?
I've got it in audiobook format but haven't gotten to it yet. How about you?
-kim.kovacs
BookBrowsers Ask Amelia Ireland, author of The Seven O'Clock Club
Hello, Amelia, I loved your book and the twist at the end. I'm curious to know if there were any spiritual beliefs that informed your choice of topic and narrative reveal?
-Holly_Batsell
BookBrowsers ask Michelle Collins Anderson, author of The Moonshine Women
Hello Michelle. I really enjoyed our book. I love books with good character development. I think that you have mastered it. They all felt real. Their relationships rang true. It was atreat to get to know them. That combined with a bit of history made this a good read, I am curious are they modele...
-Renee_P
To what audience would you recommend The Seven O’Clock Club? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
Hello, I think I would recommend The Seven O'Clock Club to readers who enjoy reflective, character-driven stories that explore emotions and human connections. It seems like a good choice for people who appreciate contemporary fiction that focuses on personal growth and shared experiences. Readers...
-Angie_G
BookBrowsers Ask Annelise Ryan, author of the Monster Hunter mystery series
I normally ask our visiting authors to tell us a bit about themselves, and then we pepper them with questions. In this case, I found that Annelise (aka Beth) had already posted an entertaining intro https://bethamos.com/ on her website that addresses many of the questions we'd typically ask. To a...
-kim.kovacs
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (2/12/2026)
I finished Michael Pollan's latest, https://www.bookbrowse.com/bb_briefs/detail/index.cfm/ezine_preview_number/24280/a-world-appears A World Appears , for review, and thought it was a fascinating exploration of human consciousness. Also finished up https://www.bookbrowse.com/bb_briefs/detail/inde...
-kim.kovacs
BookBrowsers Ask Maria Reva, author of Endling
Hello Peter! I hope your relatives are staying safe. When the war broke out, I found writing very difficult too. If you don't mind, I'll copy and paste a previous answer which overlaps with your question: I was already several years into the manuscript when Russia launched its full-scale invasion...
-Maria_Reva
BookBrowsers Ask Daniel Kraus, author of Angel Down and Whalefall
Hello! No, I had no particular interest in whales or the ocean, but that's kind of what I enjoy doing these days — ie, take on a book project that is way out of my comfort zone and that will require mountains of research. It's a good way to shake myself up, change my style, and ensure I'm never r...
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About the Beast of the North Woods Discussion category
Hello! I liked this book. A good holiday or vacation read. Quirky but creative enough to hold your attention. I appreciate the opportunity to read an author I normally would not have chosen. I plan to buy her other titles for our vacation home bookshelf. :blush: K. Stowe, Librarian
-Kristen_S
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (1/15/2026)
Get the Kleenex ready for your read of The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell. By the end your emotions will have been rung out and hung out to dry. The author is very talented at this, some in our book club felt manipulated - a bit overdone perhaps.
-Connie_K
To what audience would you recommend Cursed Daughters? Is there another book or author you feel addresses related themes or who writes in a similar style?
It reminded me of a lot of other novels: Hello Beautiful ; Pachinko, The Vanishing Half, Joy Luck Club. Female familial relationships, with histories that impact multiple generations.
-Jill_D1
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (11/20/2025)
I am reading *The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell.
-Karen_M
Gwen finds a dismembered arm in a box at her door and opts to move it to another location to by found by someone else. Why do you suppose she takes this course of action? In her circumstances, do you think her actions were reasonable?
My first thought was….what the hell? You get on a bus and drop it behind a dumpster? Sure, lady. It seemed so illogical that it affected how I read the rest of the book.
-George_M
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (10/16/2025)
Hello! I'm new but excited to join. I'm currently reading Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid and I'm loving it so far. I had heard mixed reviews so I was skeptical, but it's really enjoyable.
-Kelsie_F
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (10/09/2025)
Hello Laurie: Just finished The Armor of Light by Ken Follet. Despite it's length it was a page turner but to be honest it was a tad too much in the sex and violence category. I am by no means a prude or do I shy away from violence but this got to be more repetitive than necessary.
-Susan_C
BookBrowsers ask Heather O'Neill
Hello Readers! So lovely to be meeting you! I live in Montreal, Canada. I was raised by my father in a tiny apartment. He was an ex-con with a beautiful gift for telling stories. I began keeping a journal when I was 8 years old. And I became addicted to the process. I was known for always scribbl...
-Heather_O
Is there a quote or scene in The Tapestry of Time that stood out for you? Why do you suppose it resonated?
Yes - "She has never put any of this into words before. Here, in this hellscape, with the ghost of her sister always at the edges of her vision, every old fear seems flimsy and inconsequential. What does it matter if they hurt each other tomorrow? Tomorrow is a dream. Today is real, and today req...
-Molly_Y
What are you reading this week? (7/31/2025)
Hellooooo everyoonnee!! I'm new here and I'm currently reading Solemate by Lauren Mackler.
-Kady_R
Help keeping book clubs fresh
Hello Judi–in my book club experience, which is not all that broad, members not only enjoy discussing the book, but they also feel good about being asked their opinion in a broader sense. Perhaps you could ask the book club members what they might add to or take away from the format in order to m...
-Sunny
BookBrowsers Ask Allegra Goodman
Hello Allegra! Your writing created intense moods not only in the character descriptions and actions but also in the settings. Goodness, I felt lonely, miserable and cold many times while reading *Isola". * How did you craft "mood"?
-NanK
How much time do you read in one sitting when enjoying a book, and do you have a favorite place to read?
Hello Kassapa! Thank you for sharing your thoughts about your experience listening to books. I never used to listen to books until my job required me to be in my car two hours a day. Listening to books was one of the only ways I could maintain a reading habit, and then it become second nature. Pl...
-Sunny
BookBrowsers Ask Stephanie Dray
Hello @Holly_K ! Thank you for your kind words and I hope you and your group enjoy the book. You've asked me a really hard question. I always seem to love best whatever time period I'm currently writing in. It's got that "new relationship energy" thing going for it. But I seem to also return, aga...
-Stephanie_D
Name a book that was really popular that you absolutely hated
My book club read "Hello, Beautiful", I agree it was not at all related to Little Women. The only man in the group really liked it. Hmm.
-Robin_G
Bertie is often preoccupied with Gert's whereabouts, especially after WWII. In what ways is his preoccupation reasonable? In what ways is it detrimental? Where is the line, if any, between healthy and unhealthy concern about a loved one?
I interpreted Bertie's second-guessing about Gert as a combination of survivor's guilt; shame & self-recrimination about not destroying the records of other clients of the Institute, including Gert; and the torture of not knowing with certainty what happened to Gert. The lack of irrefutable proof...
-Janie-Hickok-Siess
Overall, what did you think of Lessons in Chemistry? (No spoilers, please!)
I agree with you. I am a feminist, I grew up in the 60's-70s and feel like contemporary fiction as a whole depicting the 50's-60s just try to make it look so black and white and yet nostalgic. I feel like it is the Mad Men version of the time. Trying to make it "look good" yet with horrid underbe...
-Karen_K
Who Has Read the Pulitzer Winners?
Hello! As stated, I read the BookBrowse Top 20, Pulitzer winners, Booker Prize recipients, and Newbery Medal every year. The Pulitzers came out today, and I have only read "James." Who has read "Combee: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid," "Native Nations: A Millenium in North America," "Eve...
-Anthony_Conty
BookBrowsers Ask Author Renee Rosen
Thanks Kim and hello to all the Book Browers. I'm coming to you from Chicago where I live downtown in a loft (built in 1909) with my partner and "book sherpa", John. To date I've written 9 historical novels and am working on number 10. I tend to write about strong, trailblazing women like Helen G...
-Renee_R
Have you attended any author events this year?
Hello Readers, I was wondering if you have attended any great author visits this year? I recently saw Renee Rosen who wrote Let's Call Her Barbie. The room had a pink entrance, a great photo backdrop and the author brought her own Barbies. In addition, she had a fun powerpoint with great photos. ...
-Dee_Driscole
What are you reading this week? (04/24/2025)
This week I'm relistening to Hello Beautiful for a book club. I'm reading The Sunflower House by Adriana Allegri which is about the Lebensborn program. I just happened to see it at our library and it's very good. I'm also reading The Book Club for Troublesome Women and isn't that a great title?
-Melinda_J
Why do you believe Mrs. Mudford was so hostile to both Madeline and Amanda?
Mrs. Mudford was uncomfortable with people who didn't fit the mold, who lived outside the parameters of what she thought a family should be. Single parenthood just wasn't acceptable to her. If my child had been subjected to a teacher like that for two consecutive years, there'd have been hell to ...
-Dee_Hatcher
BookBrowsers Ask Author Chris Bohjalian
Hello Chris and thank you for entertaining our questions about The Jackal's Mistress. When I read that the book was 20 years in the writing, I couldn't help but wonder what might be your feelings regarding how very little has changed, fundamentally, with regard to racial intolerance in this count...
-Sunny
What’s your opinion of Becca’s living arrangements in Nachez? Would you have stayed once you knew more about the residence?
She had no choice. She had no money or another place to do. Yes, I would as long as I felt safe in the room at night. Living on the street must be pure Hell. This was a warm and safe room.
-Carol_N
What did you think of Weybridge’s soldiers leaving him to die? Were they right to do so under the circumstances? What decision would you have made, do you think?
My emotions are mixed on this. War in any century has been hellish, especially for front-line soldiers. This is a work of fiction, but I feel that many soldiers were left behind in similar circumstances. I think it was heart-breaking, but a good springboard for the story to advance.
-Jennifer_B
The Triangle shirtwaist factory fire profoundly impacted Perkins. Can you think of other examples from the novel where a single event changed the direction of a character's life?
I think her working in the crowded tenements in Hell's Kitchen significantly affected her understanding of how difficult it was for parents to support their children during hard times.
-Patricia_H
Bulkley wanted to sail up South America’s west coast, while Cheap wanted to stick with his original orders and travel along the east coast. Whose plan do you think stood a better chance of success? Which group do you think you would have joined?
Bulkeley's plan seemed the most sane one. However, Cheap was "hell-bent" in making the rendezvous with Admiral Anson according to the pre-planned schedule. He ignored recommendations from Bulkeley. I definitely would have chosen Bulkeley's group. Bulkeley knew about the sea and the condition of t...
-Ann_H
What book or books are you reading this week? (01/23/2025)
I started my 1st Pulitzer of the year, Trust by Hernan Diaz. I plan to read 6 of them this year. For bookclub we are reading All You Can Ever Know by Nicole Chung and The River by Peter Heller.
-Cheryl_Winter
How did you feel about Sally’s community? Did the community in the book make you think about your own community and your place in it?
I really enjoyed that aspect of the story and I agree Sally's engagement with her community was the catalyst. I have lived in the same neighborhood for Over 30 years and have transitioned from the newly wed young ones to the middle aged plus older residents. I take that role to heart and make it ...
-Gerrie_B
What are some books you loved reading in 2024?
These were my favorites this year All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker James by Percival Everett The Women by Kirstin Hannah clear by Cary's Davies Masquerade by O.O. Sangoyomi Salt House ms by Hala Alyan Indian Burial Ground by Nick Medina The Lion Women of Tehran Marjam Kamala Camp Zero...
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Has a book ever given you nightmares?
Prophet Song didn't give me nightmares but it definitely left me with a lingering sense of dread - I think it should be taught in high schools. The Descent by Jeff Long gave me nightmares, it's sort of like The Da Vinci Code meets hell on/in earth.
-nick
What is your book club reading in 2025?
We select our books in October. For the coming year: Cannery Row , John Steinbeck West with Giraffes , Lynda Rutledge The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell , Robert Dugoni All Passion Spent , Vita Sackville West This Must be the Place , Maggie O'Farrell *Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder,*Kerryn May...
-Audrey_Glick
Which genre(s) do you avoid reading?
Hello Folks: I have to say, westerns and science fiction are two genres I'm not a fan of. I also am not a huge fantasy reader, but if a novel as a fantasy component in it, that is fine.
-Patricia_Bailey
What are you reading this week? (11/14/2024)
I'm reading Hello Beautiful. It's my second book club's pick for November. At 40% of the book I'm feeling sad!
-Judy_Gareis
Change Username
Hello! I have just joined the book forum and have been trying to change my username because I don't want my full name to be displayed. I've changed my username and saved it three times now and my full name still keeps populating the username field. Can anyone help or provide a suggestion for me? ...
-Sunny
"Lyrical and understated. Readers will relish this simple tribute to the preciousness of days spent with loved ones." —Publishers Weekly
"The grammar of Danish writer Helle's sentences, a sort of not-quite present sense conveys extraordinarily well the sense of small-town life where experiences repeat so frequently they might almost be timeless... Almost everything one expects from a novel has been left out, yet nothing is missing." —Booklist
"Helle Helle's they is a deceptively slight, minimalist novel that packs a huge emotional punch in its superb translation from Danish by acclaimed translator Martin Aitken. Each austere sentence brings a wealth of information about the mother-daughter relationship at the center of the narrative. Helle is an exquisite stylist who details both the sensory surfaces of life and the intimacy inherent in any interaction." —Shelf Awareness
"Helle has enchanting gifts as a storyteller… an immediacy that tenderly and consistently compels." ―The New York Times
"One of my favorite Danish writers―she's the master." ―The Guardian
This information about they was first featured
in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added.
Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Helle Helle (b. 1965) is one of Denmark's foremost and best-loved novelists. She has been awarded the Danish Critics' Prize for Literature, and has received her country's highest literary accolades, including the Per Olov Enquist Prize, the Golden Laurels of the Danish Booksellers' Association, the Grand Prize of the Danish Academy, and the Holberg Medal. She has also been nominated four times for the Nordic Council Literature Prize. Her highly acclaimed novel This Should Be Written in the Present Tense is her only other work to have appeared in English (praised by John Self in The Guardian for being "a book with all the bigness hidden away.")
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