A Glass of Milk, Please

Historical Context and Significance

Herbjørg Wassmo’s novel «A Glass of Milk, Please» is woven into the fabric of Norwegian literature as a piercing testimony to the fate of women in postwar Scandinavia. Through the story of young Jora, forced to leave her home and confront the cruelty and indifference of the adult world, Wassmo explores themes of vulnerability, the search for dignity, and the struggle to be heard. The book gave a voice to those whose stories had long remained in the shadows and sparked widespread public debate, prompting reflection on the position of women and children in society. The novel’s influence is felt not only in literature but also in cultural discourse, where it has become a symbol of female resilience and a reminder of the need for compassion and justice. Wassmo’s mastery, her keen psychological insight, and her ability to create vivid, multifaceted characters have made the work part of the golden treasury of modern Norwegian prose, and its themes still resonate with readers today.