This Should Be Written in the Present Tense

Reviews / Votes

Helle Helle's simple, to-the-point prose cuts to the quick...it's refreshing to find such an intimate book that leaves something for the reader to writer in their own mind...This Should be Written in the Present Tense is a contemporary classic in the making -- Emma Nicklin * Stylist * Helle has enchanting gifts as a storyteller... This Should Be Written in the Present Tense possesses an immediacy that tenderly and consistently compels. * New York Times Book Review * A book with all the bigness hidden away -- John Self * Guardian * This Should Be Written in the Present Tense may sound like just another bildungsroman, but it's surprisingly devoid of ego, and deeply thoughtful * Paris Review * Compelling * Emerald Street * There is so much in this book, so much hinted at and alluded to. So much going on off-screen. [...] One of the literary finds of the year * Bookmunch * A beautiful evocation of the reckless naivete of the early years of adulthood. [Helle Helle's] pared back style gives the novel a haunting quality, exquisitely reflecting the detachment and doubts of the protagonist's life. [...] This is a highly recommended introduction to the work of a talented new name on the European literary scene * Book Trust * Helle Helle is a star in her native Denmark but hasn't been translated into English until now - on this evidence she's worth the wait -- Anthony Cummins * Metro * I found myself utterly mesmerised by this little novel about the seemingly commonplace. It's stark minimalism is beguiling * Booklover * Helle Helle is a beautiful stylist. This Should Be Written in the Present Tense has an atmosphere that is deeply mysterious whilst staying entirely naturalistic - reminiscent of some of the less far out works of Marguerite Duras or Anna Kavan -- Mark Diston * Register *