A novel in which the forest plays the leading role
A novel in which the forest plays the leading role
In a new novel, *Hidden in the Diger Forest* by J.N. Holmboe, the ancient forest takes center stage. The story is set in a fictional village in Sörmland, where an old forest is slated for logging and where a group of people living nearby think it’s a bad idea.
But this is not a statement for or against today’s forestry industry. It is a story about the people caught in the middle of the conflict—about commitment, relationships, loyalty, and betrayal. And about what is truly hidden in the forest. 
The novel is plot-driven and told in the form of a diary. Events that took place in the forest long ago turn out to have a major impact on what happens in the present. The story also contains an older narrative that stretches back to the era of the Baggböleri, when the forest and its owners were subjected to extensive exploitation and irregularities.
From the researcher’s objectivity to the emotions of the novel
Behind the pseudonym J.N. Holmboe is a researcher who works on environmental and nature-related issues in his professional life. He has long had an interest in species, particularly plants.
It was also in the context of research that the idea for the novel first took shape. The author explains that, as a researcher, one is expected to be as objective as possible. One must engage with existing knowledge, weigh different perspectives against one another, and offer the best possible advice based on the current state of research.
“But the more you know about nature and forest ecology, the greater your respect for old-growth forests becomes. And as a researcher, it becomes especially clear just how limited our knowledge actually is,” the author comments.
– As a researcher, I’m supposed to be objective. But I also have strong feelings about the forest. I wanted to write something where I could express myself subjectively and emotionally.
Work on the novel began about five years ago and has proceeded alongside my career as a researcher. The ideas for the plot came relatively easily. It was the craft of writing itself that was more difficult—such as shaping the story and finding the right literary voice.
“As a researcher, you’re used to writing. But academic writing and creative writing are two completely different things. Crafting a plot is one thing. Bringing characters, settings, and emotions to life on the page is something else entirely,” the author notes.
The debut author has chosen to remain anonymous and uses the pseudonym J.N. Holmboe. The name is intentionally gender-neutral.
– I want to keep my work as a fiction writer separate from my work as a researcher. I also want readers to be able to enter the story with as open a mind as possible. I simply wanted the novel to stand on its own.
A Story About Control Over the Forest
There is a personal experience behind the novel.
“There was a forest owner who promised to preserve a forest. But that promise was broken,” says the author.
– If we are to truly have a say in what happens to a forest, property rights are crucial. Without control over the land, it can be difficult to influence what happens to our natural environment, and serious conflicts may also arise.
That is why the author has now decided to be part of Naturarvet’s “Creating for the Old-Growth Forest” campaign and is therefore donating 20% of the book’s proceeds to Naturarvet.
“Writing *Hidden in Digerskogen* became, in a way, a statement: a story about why it’s important to have control over the land and why old-growth forests are worth protecting,” the author concludes.
After five years of work, *Dolt i Digerskogen* is now out in the world. Above all, the author hopes that many people will read it and share their reactions. The story isn’t entirely finished, and some plot threads have been deliberately left open. In fact, there are already plans for a sequel, and readers’ reactions will play an important role in the writing process moving forward.
Don't miss out:
*Hidden in Digerskogen* is available for purchase at Bokus and Adlibris and is also available as an e-book on sites such as BookBeat.
Right now, 20% of the proceeds go to Naturarvet and the “Creating for the Old-Growth Forest” campaign .
Do you do any crafts, hobbies, or other creative activities? Are you part of a sewing circle, craft group, knitting café, or other creative gathering? If so, we’d be thrilled if you’d like to join us and contribute to “ Naturarvet ” through ourChristmas campaign, “Creating for the Old-Growth Forest.”