Mare Kandre


Mare Kandre was a Swedish writer of Estonian descent. She was born on May 27, 1962 in Söderala, a small place in mid-Sweden and grew up in Gothenburg and Stockholm. Between 1967 and 1969, she lived with her family in British Columbia, Canada, a period which made a very deep impression on her and later in life influenced her writing. She died on 24 March 2005 of an unintentional prescription drug overdose, aged 42.
Mare Kandre achieved considerable acclaim in Scandinavia and her works have been translated into more than eight languages. Her novels, short stories and prose poetry often deals with children's, in particular girls', development to adulthood; women's roles; and marginalized and traumatized individuals who opt to break with society's expectations.
Mare Kandre's stories have a marked metaphysical dimension which is strengthened by her poetical language and representation, with existential themes paired with contemporary social issues. In her writing she often returns to issues like the expectations placed on women, how alienation develops, and the significance of instincts. Several of her books were influenced by Gothic fiction.
Before Mare Kandre entered onto the path of writing, she was the frontwoman for the music group Global Infantilists.

Works

Mare Kandre also wrote drama. Of these Vilse has been set up by several theatres.

Prizes and distinctions