„Kati we Włoszech” Astrid Lindgren − między literackim opisem podróży a powieścią

Abstrakt

Among less known works of Astrid Lindgren is a series of tales about Kati (Kati in America, 1950, Polish translation 2007; Kati in Italy, 1952, Polish translation 2007; Kati in Paris, 1953, Polish translation 2008). It shows a “different face” of the author, mostly associated by readers with The Six Bullerby Children and other works set in the countryside. The tales about an enterprising young lady called Kati, who visits foreign lands, are connected with the writer’s own life, especially with her marriage to Sture Lindgren, whom she accompanied in his numerous journeys abroad and under whose guidance Astrid published tour guides and road maps for the Royal Automobile Club from 1928 onwards. The most interesting volume in the series of Kati’s adventures is the story of her trip to Italy. It combines elements of a typical literary account of a journey (focussing on the cities most popular with tourists such as: Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples and Capri, with the very famous architectural sites and works of art), a report full of insightful sociological observations portraying the phenomenon of the organised “group tour” and a romantic plot. The narration reveals the protagonist’s point of view, her characteristic manner of travelling, her expectations related to participating in an organised tour as well as her personal perception of a foreign culture and unfamiliar customs.