According to multiple reports, Crown Princess Mette-Marit opened the celebration with a welcome speech, sitting on a chair, and was visibly moved when she quoted Fosse's text 'Is there a meaning to these things'. In her speech, the Crown Princess said both Fosse and Robinson are Christian authors who write from a place where faith has deep existential significance, and that grace is a recurring theme for both. Crown Prince Haakon was also present.
The Norwegian Library Association ended its patronage with the Crown Princess about a month ago, following weeks of questions about her friendship with Epstein. The association stated that the understanding of the role had been weak and the values displayed were not compatible with the association's values, and that the criminal offenses linked to the Epstein case made it difficult to maintain the patronage. The decision sparked strong reactions, with some saying the association 'kicked a person who was already down'. The association later thanked the Crown Princess for her commitment to literature but stood by its decision.
Both Jon Fosse and Marilynne Robinson are Christian authors. They both write from a place where faith has a deep, existential significance. A recurring theme for both is grace.
According to NRK, Helene Heger Voldner, chair of the Library Association, described attending the event as 'completely uncomplicated' and said there is no contradiction between ending the collaboration and still attending. She said she was there to celebrate Fosse, literature, and the joy of reading.
For there is a meaning to these things. For there is a meaning to our lives. For all is grace.
I am here to celebrate Jon Fosse and literature and the joy of reading, and how much it means for the entire Norwegian people.
It is completely uncomplicated. We are here today to talk about literature and the joy of reading. There are many colleagues here from the literary field, and there are librarians from all over the country.
It just shows how important this is for the Crown Princess, and we have always said we are very happy about that. So it is completely uncomplicated.
No, I think those are two different things. I understand that many found it challenging, and we also think the timing was unfortunate. But it is still important for us that as many as possible participate in talking about the importance of reading and literature.
The understanding of the role has been weak, and the values that have come to light are not compatible with the values the Norwegian Library Association stands for. The criminal offenses linked to the Epstein case make it difficult to maintain the patronage.