Lena, the Sea, and Me

[Keeperen og havet]
Year: 
2017
Type: 
Public: 
Publisher: 
WordUnited
Year of publication: 
2020
Pages: 
304
Moral assessment: 
Type: Literature
Nothing inappropriate.
Some morally inappropriate content.
Contains significant sections contrary to faith or morals.
Contains some lurid passages, or presents a general ideological framework that could confuse those without much Christian formation.
Contains several lurid passages, or presents an ideological framework that is contrary or foreign to Christian values.
Explicitly contradicts Catholic faith or morals, or is directed against the Church and its institutions.
Literary quality: 
Recommendable: 
Transmits values: 
Sexual content: 
Violent content: 
Vulgar or obscene language: 
Ideas that contradict Church teaching: 
The rating of the different categories comes from the opinion of Delibris' collaborators

It is a tender, fresh, and emotional young adult novel, narrated in the first person by Theo, a boy of about 12 years old who lives in the fictional coastal village of Terruño Mathilde, in Norway. His best friend, Lena, a daring and fiery girl, has a personality opposite to his, and that is why they complement each other so well: together they experience everyday adventures full of fun, laughter, conflicts, and learning. These are simple yet profound adventures.

The style carries the authenticity of a child’s perspective, with ironies, escapades, and reflections that leave a mark on the young reader.

Among the values it conveys are true friendship, family as a privileged place, and personal growth.

The balance between humor, emotion, and landscape description is a richness, as well as the Norwegian settings such as the sea, the fjords, and the winter... The illustrations by Zuzanna Celej add a visual and atmospheric complement.

Author: M NH, Mexico
Update on: Aug 2025