Aase Foss Abrahamsen


Aase Foss Abrahamsen was a Norwegian writer. She primarily wrote for children and young adults, but also books for adults.
Her book Ikke deg denne gang from 1978 was awarded the Norwegian Ministry of Culture's prize for children's literature, and Videre lille kvinne from 1981 earned her the Damm prize. She received the cultural prize from the city of Sarpsborg in 1986.

Early life and education

Aase Dommerud was born in Drammen on 27 August 1930, to editor Ole Aasten Dommerud and nurse Jenny Bakken. When she was eight, she moved with her family to Kristiansand. Her mother died when she was twelve.
Dommerud graduated as cand.philol. in history from the University of Oslo in 1956.

Literary career

Foss Abrahamsen made her literary debut in 1971 with the children's book Håkon slalåmkjører. Further books are Blomster fra Hiroshima from 1972, Kan ikke akkurat gå, men..., and Hvis jeg kunne bestemme from 1977. Her 1978 book, Ikke deg denne gang, was awarded the Ministry of Culture's prize for children's literature and literature for young adults. The book handles about the love between Lene and Leif, who has contracted cancer and eventually dies. Videre lille kvinne from 1981 treats the subjects of unwanted pregnancy and abortion. The book was awarded from N. W. Damm & Søn. Her books for adults include For sterk, Birgitte from 1982, Fuglen og den hvite duken, and Alltid de andre from 1988.
In 1986 she was awarded the cultural prize from the city of Sarpsborg, for her literary works. Her books from the 1990s include Timian Love, on reactions to a suicide attempt, Ingen vet, a collection of short stories for young adults, and Ingenmannsland, a short story collection for children.
Taking part in organizational work, Foss Abrahamsen was a member of the literary council of the Norwegian Writers for Children, as well as vice chair of the board. She also chaired the board of the Office for Norwegian Literature Abroad,.

Personal life and death

Aase Dommerud married physician Arne Tellef Foss Abrahamsen in 1953, and together they had five children.
Foss Abrahamsen died in Bærum on 7 May 2023, at age 92.

Selected works

  • Håkon slalåmkjører
  • Ikke deg denne gang
  • Videre lille kvinne
  • For sterk, Birgitte Fuglen og den hvite duken
  • En dag med sol Alltid de andre
  • ''Timian love''