FYRA MINUTER ÖVER TOLV

BONNIER CARLSEN, MARS 2022

Hur kan en förälder få dö? Hur kan det få vara så? Nicolaus är bara ett barn och föräldrar borde inte dö. Men den här julinatten är inget som det borde.

”Fyra minuter över tolv” är en säregen och vacker barnroman, skriven med en lätt humoristisk ton. Conny Palmkvist väjer varken för det som gör ont eller för guldkantad magi.

Nicolaus är tolv år och har en mamma som håller på att dö. Han och hans pappa vakar vid hennes sjuksäng, det är natt och ekande tyst på avdelning 34. Nicolaus orkar inte med att vänta på döden. Han måste bort därifrån. I hissen ser han en knapp som inte brukar finnas där. När han trycker på den åker hissen till en helt annan sorts våning.

Klockan är fyra minuter över tolv på natten när han kommer till Slutstationen. Slutstationen dit alla ska någon gång.

Ja, klockan är fyra minuter över tolv, och Nicolaus har stannat tiden två minuter innan hans mamma ska dö.

Men vad gör man om man kan stanna tiden, och till och med resa i tiden?

Conny Palmkvist visade i barnboksdebuten ”Mina fem regler” att han har en alldeles särskilt klar och barnnära röst. ”Fyra minuter över tolv” handlar om det allra sorgligaste, men det är också vackert och försonande.

Boken röstades fram som en av de mest älskade barnböckerna genom tiderna i Nederländerna i november 2024, och i september samma år var den framröstad som den mest omtyckta barnboken den månaden. Se mer under nyheter.

Rights sold by Salomonsson Agency

Japan, Sayzansha
Holland, Kluitman
UK, Hachette Children's Group
USA, Hachette Children's Group
Norway, Det Norske Samlaget
South Korea, Lime
Albania, Ombra GVG
Denmark, Carlsen
Sweden, Bonnier Carlsen

More to come.

Press / sagt om boken

“FOUR MINUTES PAST MIDNIGHT is a unique, heartfelt novel about the loss of a parent – a love letter from the author to anyone, but especially children, experiencing loss. It is quite unlike anything I’ve read before. It weaves a peculiar magic around the reader, employing magical realism and a text that sits somewhere between poetry and prose as it builds to a powerful denouement that ultimately offers comfort and hope.
The author’s empathy and respect for his young readers is palpable and delivers the most poignant and important message to those experiencing grief: You Are Not Alone.”
/ Harriet Wilson, Publisher – HACHETTE CHILDREN'S GROUP

“In this captivating, magical-realistic story, it is mainly the language itself that keeps capturing your attention. // By giving the language itself such a prominent role, the Swedish Conny Palmkvist does something that is rarely seen in children's books: a commendable show of confidence in the possibilities of young readers.”
4 stars out of 5
/ www.nieuwsblad.be (big newspaper in Netherlands)

"Meget rørende og fin historie om at miste en forælder i en tidlig alder … troværdig og levende beskrevet og man kan føle Nicolaus smerte og sorg”
/ De danska bibliotekens lektörstjänst

”Jeg har knap ord, som kan beskrive denne bog, for den ramte mig lige i hjertekulen og tårerne fik frit fald, hvilket ellers ikke er noget som sker så ofte for mig. Det er en fantastisk rørende og sørgmodig fortælling, som virkelig berører en dybt.
Betyg 5 av 5
/ @eventyrdromme (bokbloggare)

“Conny Palmkvists nya bok är en fantasi om kampen mot det oundvikliga. Väldigt starkt och berörande om liv, sjukdom och kärleken i en familj.”
/ Vi Läser - magasin

”Fyra minuter över tolv, av Helsingborgsförfattaren Conny Palmqvist (Bonnier Carlsen), är en finstämd liten bok om tolvårige Nicolaus som befinner sig på sjukhuset i Helsingborg.”
/ Skånska Dagbladet

“Sammanfattningsvis är Fyra minuter över tolv en mycket bra mellanåldersbok som är skriven med engagemang och språklig pregnans.”
/ BTJ

“Palmkvist har skrivit en suggestiv och sorglig berättelse som innehåller både hopp och humor.”
/ BTJ

“Jag har läst igen och jag vet inte om jag någonsin har läst ett så drabbande och kristallklart manus.”
/ Redaktören på Bonnier Carlsen

“Dette var ei veldig sterk bok å lese fordi jeg har stått i en sånn vond situasjon to ganger i nær familie. Jeg er så glad for at noen skriver barnebøker om døden, det trengs. De vonde følelsene blir tatt på største alvor samtidig som den er full av håp. Boken er oversatt fra svensk av A. Audhild Solberg.”
/ @bokveggen, Instagram, Norge

And from the Netherlands …

Your story really touched my heart. It was the first time ever, tears rolled down my face while reading and illustrating a story. Thank you for writing this incredible book. I couldn’t help thinking it was a very personal story for you as well. I take my hat off to you.

/ Jeskta Verstegen, illustrator of the book in the Netherlands

“The Train at Four Past Twelve” is one of the most beautiful books I have read in recent times and is certainly in my top five of classics. Because this one certainly has the potential to become a classic.

/ Schelvis, hebban.nl, Netherlands

I don't think I've ever read a more beautiful story about saying goodbye, mourning and letting go, and one that feels so comforting in such an extraordinary way.

5 stars out of 5

/ sheila_hjv_inbooks, Goodreads, Netherlands

What a beautiful and compelling book about farewell. Conny Palmkvist knows how to touch me as a reader with just the right words and sentence structure! Lammie Post-Oostenbrink's translation completely sold me on this book. Philosophical with food for thought, because what things would I put right if I had the chance to do so?

5 stars out of 5

/ Nick Kolhek, Netherlands, Goodreads

Sometimes it really isn't easy to write a review. A book for young children from the age of 11 can be so moving that the lump in your throat just won't go away even while you're writing it. And actually I can't say anything other than that this book about twelve-year-old Nicolaus is so beautiful. // It is really a book about letting go and saying goodbye. It is full of wisdom, which I often took the time to read again. One of the most special pieces of wisdom is the word “goosebumps”. “That's what you get when your heart freezes to pieces from all the sadness you carry on your soul.” A children's book that is also very suitable for adults and older youth.

/ from the literature site Boekenbijlage.nl

This is a book that offers comfort and hope. Don't expect an unexpected twist, because some moments are simply irreversible. Things are simply not more beautiful than they are, but you can influence the way you deal with them. And sometimes you even have the opportunity to use that experience to help others. A wonderful book that you should not miss!

5 stars out of 5

/ Rubén Rodriguez da Silva (bookstore review), Netherlands, Libris

This book is heartbreaking but beautiful at the same time. A small book about great feelings that stays with you and resonates. A beautiful book that excels in originality for readers aged 10 and over.

/ hetboekenrijk.com, Netherlands

What a beautiful and sensitive book about saying goodbye to a mother! I read it in one sitting, I simply couldn't put it down. Everything is right about this story, the sentences and the words. And everything is beautiful and sad at the same time in this story.

5 stars out of 5.

/ Pauline, Netherlands, Goodreads

I don't often read a children's book, but with this one I felt like I shouldn't miss it. And rightly so, I say now. What a writer, this Conny Palmkvist. Nothing but love for this beautiful and heart-wrenching story!

/ PollyEvaHatloy, Netherlands, www.hebban.nl

This beautiful children's book is just as good for adults. // The story of Nicolaus who wants to correct the 'mistakes' he made in the relationship with his mother before her death is heartbreaking, beautiful, sad and recognizable. Who wouldn't want that - to solve everything, fix it and hopefully change the future. In his various attempts he always chooses different moments to return to. We as readers receive tips. At the end of the story, it turns out that they are not just about time travel - but about life itself.

Although this book may sound heavy and sad, it is not a book to be afraid of. Above all, it is a book about life, about together, about beautiful moments.

“You are the light, Nicolaus. Or no, you carry the light.”

5 out of 5 stars

/ Saar Steverlinck, Netherlands, GoodReads

The train from four over twelve is an incredible and magical story for everyone from about 9 years and can reliably offer in case of loss. After reading this book I know … ”goose bumps of the heart”, exists.

5 out of 5 stars

/ Je@net, Instagram, Netherlands

An incredibly moving story about sadness, acceptance, letting go, farewell, pain, grief and love. Very special. I read it in one sitting and really had to shed a tear while reading. What a beautiful book!

/ www.biebmiepje.nl (reading blog)

Moving, heart-warming, beautiful, magical and emotional - all the feels. What a story with life lessons, recommended for young & old! — Rating: 5★

/ lesley.onbookstagram, Instagram, Netherlands

This children's novel is compelling, moving and magical at the same time. I read the book with a smile and a tear. // The story is poetic, comforting and really moving. Highly recommended for young and old, a handle during a sad period.

/ Kinderboeken Journal, Netherlands

A beautiful children's novel, which I read with a smile and a tear. A book full of love and warmth, but also fear and sadness. This is an extremely valuable book for the upper grades about death. I think that regardless of whether or not children encounter death at a young age, this book is very valuable and should be read by every child!

/ juf_ilona, Instagram, Netherlands

The story grabbed me right from the first page. I couldn't put it down. I had to know what would happen and what choices Nicolaus would make. So I read it in one sitting. Thank you @conny_palmkvist and @kluitman for this beautiful book. You gave me goosebumps several times. Wow! What a special and moving story. Also a shout-out to Jeska Verstegen for the beautiful illustrations!

/ jufvangroep3, Instagram, Netherlands

The theme of grief and loss is beautifully described. It is truly moving to experience such a difficult moment as the death of a parent through the eyes of a child. It is raw, pure and hits hard. The setting of the Last Station is described cinematically, almost like a Miyazaki animation. A truly beautiful image, powerfully detailed. This is one of those books that will stay with me for a long time. // A book that cannot be missing in the classroom or school library, go read this book!

/ jufrigoberta.com/2024/04/04/boekentip-de-trein-van-tien-over-twaalf/

A literary poetic, intense and compelling story about a boy who becomes very aware of life during the impending death of his mother. In his mother's final hours, this boy finds a floor in the hospital called 'the last station'. A place where time can be stopped and where he relives previous events from his life or decides to do something differently. A gripping book about not being able to let go of close loved ones and life in 'in between'.

/ De Grote Vriendelijke Podcast

A mesmerizing story: in short, meaningful sentences you enter the head of Nicolaus, where his despair, sadness and fighting spirit fight each other for progress. Palmkvist, a Swedish author I didn't know yet, writes poetically and dreamily, which is comforting. Recommended for those who are going through a difficult period, the words come in like a poem. This is very beautiful.

4 out of 5 stars

/ maaike-de-vries , Instagram, Netherlands

A beautiful story about saying goodbye and letting go.

/ @lees_tippie, Instagram, Netherlands

What an incredibly beautiful, moving, poignant and beautiful children's novel this is. It really is a book that, after reading it, really leaves me silent for a while. // The Train at Four Past Twelve is an extremely original, beautiful and pure and moving story about saying goodbye, mourning and letting go.

/ Kim Coenen, Netherlands, www.hebban.nl

Swedish writer Conny Palmkvist adds a wonderful element that makes the book different from many children's books about death. He takes Nicolaus via the hospital elevator to 'The last station', a place where time stands still and the past comes to life. // A special children's book about saying goodbye and about the time that slips through your fingers, even when you are only twelve.

/ www.jaapleest.nl, Netherlands

Cry cry cry 😭 (in a positive sense, because it was so beautiful).
5 stars out of 5

/ Jonne Heeling, Netherlands, Goodreads

What an incredibly beautiful story this was! // First of all, the book is beautifully written. Although it is simply prose, it reads very poetically because of the beautiful and moving statements about grief and processing that are made and punctuation and design are also used very nicely to insert pauses at the right moments, so that the reader can think about the meaning of the words (believe me, you do). // In short, I absolutely recommend this book. It is really beautiful, important and educational - not only for children, but certainly also for adults.

5 out of 5 stars

/ Nienke Hutten, Netherlands, www.hebban.nl

This book is heartbreaking but beautiful at the same time. A small book about great feelings that stays with you and resonates. A beautiful book that excels in originality for readers aged 10 and over.

/ hetboekenrijk, Netherlands, Instagram

… a comforting and hopeful story about grief, in which you become trapped for a moment and which you cannot easily shake off.

/ Trouw, Newspapper, Netherlands

A beautiful children's novel about loss and mourning by the Swedish author Conny Palmkvist, beautifully translated by Lammie Post-Oostenbrink. Add to that the beautiful illustrations on the cover and interior by Jesca Verstegen and you have a gem of a children's book in your hands.

The four past twelve train takes you into the childish experience of grief and loss. Time and again Nicolaus gets the chance to go back in time, until he realizes that an hour in the future might be more valuable. Pure, magical and a raw edge full of emotions. The train at four past twelve reads like a train. ❤️

/joyceweij.nl, Netherlands. Instagram

A moving, poetic book for groups 7 and 8 or older.

/ kilometerslezen, Instagram, Netherlands

Beautiful story about death.

5 out of 5 stars

/ evanderzanden, Netherlands, www.hebban.nl

Beautiful book.

4 out of 5 stars.

/ do (whatdoreads), Netherlands, Goodreads

The four past twelve train takes you into the childish experience of grief and loss. Time and again Nicolaus gets the chance to go back in time, until he realizes that an hour in the future might be more valuable. Pure, magical and a raw edge full of emotions. The train at four past twelve reads like a train. ❤️

/ joyceweij.nl, Netherlands, Instagram

A children's book about a heavy theme: accepting that one of your parents dies. The book is well written and really takes the reader into the emotion of the story.

4 stars out 5

/ Geert Bremmer, Netherlands. Goodreads

This book gave me goosebumps and I will recommend it to anyone looking for a book.

/ actafabulaest_, Netherkands, Instagram

'The four-by-twelve train' is a beautifully written children's book, a rollercoaster of a story and a book that leaves you with a lump in your throat all the time. You sympathize enormously with little Nicolaus, but you can also enjoy his childish 'mistakes' in the past and how he deals with this whole situation. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and definitely recommend buying, borrowing, reading or reading aloud!

5 out of 5 stars

/ Demi Stein, Netherlands, www.hebban.nl

This is one of the best children's books I have ever read! The way this book describes loss, letting go and grief from a childish perspective is so impressive! I cried so much reading this book. It hit home in no time, on so many levels! I started annotating, but eventually stopped because I was filling up the entire book!

5 out of 5 stars

/ JuffieInHetGroen, Netherlands, www.hebban.nl

I read this book and what almost never happened to me happened now. I had to cry, it touched me very much... This is an emotional book about losing a parent. It is written from Nicolaus' perspective and therefore comes across as very pure, honest and sincere. The things that go through Nicolaus's mind, his thoughts and his fears, it is truly a beautiful book. And not only for children, but also for adults. Conny Palmkvist has written a beautiful story that, I think, will be useful to many in dealing with loss.

5 out of 5 stars

/ ReadingForTheFunOf.it, Instagram, Netherlands

The story of Nicolaus and his struggle to accept the inevitable is beautifully described. What Nicolaus thinks and does is believable and he shares his emotions honestly and even with some humor. // The Train at Four Past Twelve is a beautifully compelling story about saying goodbye and mourning. An honest and also a comforting story.

/ www.waanenwijs.nl/2024/03/de-trein-van-vier-over-twaalf-conny.html

In my opinion a really beautiful book and very strongly written from the perspective of a 12 year old. This makes it very nice to read aloud, so that children can identify with the character. The subject is sad, but I don't think it's heavy. It is written light-heartedly, with some humor here and there. Highly recommended!

/ leeskracht.boeken, Instagram, Netherlands

Wow ... how Conny has poured grief, sadness and letting go into a beautiful story. It has touched me deeply.

/ Kim, Instagram, Netherlands

Palmkvist writes a beautiful book here about farewell and letting go. Tears from the first pages, because it just comes close. // Highly recommended and suitable for children aged 9 and over.

/Leesknokploeg, Instagram, Netherlands

What a beautiful book about loss and accepting it. Knowing that you are not alone. Tissues may be needed.

5 out of 5 stars

/ Lusanne Stap, Netherlands

What a beautiful and moving story 🤍

/ The Dutch Bookshelp, Danielle, TikTok

Many parents are hesitant about books about dying, while it is of course an essential part of our existence. We think it is important for children to read about saying goodbye and letting go. This moving book is written in an accessible way, takes you into the emotions of Nicolaus and leaves you with comfort and hope.

/ https://indewolken.nl/boekentips-leeftijd-10/

I really like how death and grief are discussed in this book. As adults, we find it very difficult to talk about this with children and quickly get the idea that children do not understand it - because it is a vague and invisible concept. However, I think this book very beautifully shows the emotional aspects of grief through a change in reading pace and the creation of chaos and peace in the text. Although death is not explained, it does show very nicely what it can do to a person emotionally.

/ dauntlesswxzard.reads, Instagram

One of the most beautiful books I have ever read.

/ The Dutch Bookshelp, Nicole, TikTok

I loved this book SO much.

/ Billylest, TikTok

From the first sentences of the book you are completely engrossed in the book. // So beautifully written.

/ joyce.limpens, Tiktok

The writing style is compelling and is enhanced by the beautiful illustrations by @jeska_verstegen. The writer manages to capture the complexity of emotions in an impressive way, especially in the struggle of a twelve-year-old with the impending death of his mother. The story is carefully constructed, the characters are well developed, and the thematic depth makes this book a valuable reading experience for both young and adult readers. I couldn't put the book down and finished it within an hour. A beautiful book to use in the classroom 🤍

/ deklasvanjuf_femke, Instagram, Netherlands

It is truly moving to experience such a difficult moment as the death of a parent through the eyes of a child. It is raw, pure and hits hard. The setting of the Last Station is described cinematically, almost like a Miyazaki animation. A truly beautiful image, powerfully detailed. This is one of those books that will stay with me for a long time. A book that you hope will provide support to children who experience a similar nasty situation. A book that is about the hard side of life but still manages to focus on the small but very important moments. Moments that may seem trivial but will later give us strength to move on.

/ juf_rigoberta, Instagram, Netherlands

Ultimately, 'The Train at Four Past Twelve' is a book that stays with me, because Nicolaus' powerlessness and his enormous sadness are captured so well in words. His sadness became my sadness for a moment and made me want to get on that train myself so that I could ultimately end up in that pub with my father.

/ langlevelezen, Instagram, Netherlands

I am a fan of the writing style of the book. So much is said in simple words, without overly complicated sentence structures:

"Tip 91: When something is chasing you - run from the shadows into the light. Scary things can't handle that."

Marlies Sleger describes it as follows on the cover of the book: "Beautiful youth novel about farewell and letting go" … and she is right!

/ trudie_en_tine_lezen, Instagram, Netherlands

The story thundered in. Close to the skin you despair with Nicolaus, who struggles with the worst sadness. This is a book for everyone from the age of ten. Also for adults. Because you can get courage from it, about saying goodbye and letting go.

/ detribunejunior, Instagram, Netherlands

Especially if you start this book a little unprepared, you will feel a bit raw as you step into the middle of a family drama. Along the way you read how the main character processes the situation and ultimately comes to acceptance.

And that in an imaginative, child-friendly way. It is beautiful.

5 stars out of 5

/ KoenFokkinga, www.hebban.nl, Netherlands

It is a beautiful, intense story! I definitely recommend this book!

4 out of 5 stars

/ Books & Illustrations, www.hebban.nl, Netherlands

Special and exceptionally beautiful. Reads easily.

4 out of 5 stars

/ Josca Punt, www.hebban.nl, Netherlands

Om författaren

Conny Palmkvist är född 1973 och uppväxt i Skåne. Han är författare till femton böcker och har bland annat tilldelats Helsingborgs Dagblads kulturpris och Umeå novellpris.

Utgiven på Bokförlaget Forum (2005, 2007 & 2020), Thorén & Lindskog (2020), Brombergs bokförlag (2009), Bucket List Books (2014) och Bokförlaget Arnold (2011).

Vill du köpa boken?

Du kan enkelt beställa Fyra minuter över tolv i din bokhandel, men du kan också köpa den online via Adlibris och Bokus. Du kan också kontakta mig direkt för frågor, eller om du har problem att hitta boken.