Marta Breen and Sunniva Fluge Hole - Selected Title Authors

Marta Breen

What is your book about?

Born Free is about religion and gender. We ask questions such as: Why do so many religions have much stricter rules for girls than for boys? Why are most religious leaders men? And why do some believe that women should be virgins when they get married? In addition to recounting the history behind such injustices, we show the reader how they can contribute to change themselves.

What inspired you to write this book?

As a feminist author, I’ve always been interested in pinpointing structures that narrow the frameworks in which we live. Whatever expands these frameworks is most welcome; whatever constrains them is upsetting to me. For that reason, I’ve long been interested in religion and the significant role it gets to play in our lives.

Who is this book for?

The book is presented as a comic and is aimed at young people. I think it’s just as suitable for atheists as it is for religious people, and I am particularly interested in reaching budding feminists of both genders.

What sets your book apart from others in the same genre?

One of the book’s essential points is that there is no inherent conflict between religion and modern feminism. This perspective isn’t often highlighted. I think many people find it difficult to criticize religious traditions, fearing they offend believers. Personally, I think it’s important to have the courage to take a stand and to be open and clear with children and young people.

We are delighted and full of hope now that NORLA is highlighting this book and giving it the opportunity to reach an international audience!

Sunniva Floge Hole

Why did you want to be a part of this book in particular?

It’s so exciting to be able to work on a book with such an important topic – especially with the way things are in the world today. So when the editor, Ola Jostein Jørgensen at Cappelen Damm, asked if I wanted to be part of the project, saying yes immediately felt like the right decision.

I imagined it would be a good challenge as an illustrator, since the illustrations had to both address the deep and important themes of the book while also appealing to a younger reader. It was important that the drawings both supported the text and sparked further associations. That’s why it was great to collaborate with such an experienced and talented author as Marta Breen. We decided to be respectful yet direct with one another from the outset.

Read more

See full presentation of the book here

Read more about the author here
More about the illustrator here

See all NORLA’s Selected Titles for the autumn 2025 here