Finn Carling was born in Oslo in 1925. He was born with cerebral palsy which coloured his writing, as regards his interest in outsiders and isolation. He studied psychology at the University of Oslo but did not take his degree, having decided to become a writer. He studied sociology on a grant and has written essays on social outsiders such as the blind and homosexuals. In his earlier writings he focused on the relationship between reality and fantasy but, after writing his autobiography (Kilden og muren (And Yet We Are Human)) in 1958, he started showing an interest in social outsiders. In the 1970s, he moved back to the fantastic, while becoming more pessimistic in his more recent writings. As well as novels and essays, he has also written plays and poetry. He died in 2004.
Finn Carling was born in Oslo in 1925. He was born with cerebral palsy which coloured his writing, as regards his interest in outsiders and isolation. He studied psychology at the University of Oslo but did not take his degree, having decided to become a writer. He studied sociology on a grant and has written essays on social outsiders such as the blind and homosexuals. In his earlier writings he focused on the relationship between reality and fantasy but, after writing his autobiography (Kilden og muren (And Yet We Are Human)) in 1958, he started showing an interest in social outsiders. In the 1970s, he moved back to the fantastic, while becoming more pessimistic in his more recent writings. As well as novels and essays, he has also written plays and poetry. He died in 2004.
Q&A Session with 2026 Dublin Literary Award shortlisted author Brigitte Giraud, author of Live Fast, exploring the inspirations behind her novel.
VideoMay 12 2026
Laurent Binet – Perspective(s) Q&A
Check out our Q&A with Laurent Binet, author of shortlisted title Perspective(s), as he discusses the inspirations behind his work and reflects on the role libraries have played in shaping his journey
VideoMay 8 2026
Ali Smith – Gliff Q&A
Shortlisted author Ali Smith discusses the creative inspirations behind Gliff and reflects on the significance of libraries throughout her reading and writing life in our latest Q&A.
