Olof Palme

Olof Palme 1927-1986
Kjell Östberg

Kjell Östberg’s biography about Olof Palme paints a bright picture of its main character and also of Swedish society.

The book charts the main events of Palme’s life: his early life, time spent in university, military service, work for the international student association and his rise in the Social democratic party.

Obviously Palme had an advantage in the fact that he was born into one of the powerful families of Sweden. Even though Palme was well connected, and any lesser man would have only used these to advance in life, Palme worked hard all his life. He read voraciously, he was an avid writer and speech giver, and he followed closely what was happening around him in Sweden and outside in the wider world.

Among many things from which OP is remembered he is best remembered from his opposition to the Vietnam was and his work for the developing world. It was interesting to learn that during the Vietnam war Palme advised Swedish generals to maintain contact with the U.S. military. It would have been bad policy to break contacts completely.

The book is an impressive work on one the most intriguing politicians of the 20th century. It also gives a good overview of the issues that had centre stage in Swedish politics during Palme’s time.

When Palme was the PM and struggling with numerous problems at the same time, he is reported saying: “One hell at a time.”