Anna Wahlgren

Anna Martha Sofia Wahlgren (née Karlsson, 6 October 1942 – 7 October 2022) was a Swedish author and public debater.

Wahlgren was best known for her book Barnaboken, which was published in 1983. She also wrote novels, short story collections, poems, a children's book and an autobiography in three parts and was sometimes controversial participant in public debate about child rearing.

Early life and career

Wahlgren was born on 6 October 1942. She was the daughter of master builder Harry Karlsson and restaurant manager Marianne Wahlgren; they divorced in 1950. She was the younger half-sister of photographer Stig T. Karlsson and builder Sven-Harry Karlsson. Wahlgren graduated from Viggbyholmsskolan in Täby in 1961 and attended Witzansky's theater school between 1962 and 1963.

Wahlgren made her debut as a writer in 1968 with the short story collection En av kvällarna i november (One of the Evenings in November) and the children's book Burken. She broke through with the novel Veka livet with a high edition for her time. Her most famous book, Barnaboken, published in 1983, has been published in several editions and translated into a number of languages.

In addition to her writing, Wahlgren has been a columnist in the weekly and daily press, including for Hemmets Journal between 1972 and 1976 and Aftonbladet in 1977. She was a Summer presenter on the radio program Sommar 1991. Wahlgren has also written plays for radio and television. TV2 has performed the play I väntrummet (In the waiting room) and four chamber plays Äkta makar (Real spouses).

Personal life and death

Wahlgren was the mother of seven daughters and one son, to three husbands. One son died shortly after birth. Wahlgren was married seven times.