Hjalmar Soderberg

Hjalmar Söderberg (1869–1941)

Hjalmar Söderberg was a Swedish novelist, playwright, and short story writer, regarded as one of the most important literary figures of early 20th-century Sweden. His works are admired for their elegant style, psychological depth, and critical view of social and moral conventions.

Söderberg often explored themes of love, passion, morality, and the struggles of modern life. Two of his most celebrated novels are Doctor Glas (1905), a groundbreaking psychological novel about morality and forbidden desires, and The Serious Game (1912), a bittersweet story of love and missed opportunities.

Though controversial in his own time, Söderberg’s works are now considered classics of Swedish literature. His sharp insights into human nature and society have made him a lasting influence on Scandinavian writers and a beloved author for generations of readers.