I haven’t been able to read Crisis by Karin Boye yet, but i came across this review yesterday. It brings something slightly different from what i originally understood from the book scene in episode 5.
Malin character is depicted as extremely tormented from the begging of the book, even before meeting Siv (which i didn’t get before). It is actually meeting Siv that seems to bring her clarity. Although the book was written in the early 1930s, her homosexuality is not the cause of her problems it rather seems to be the solution. The complet opposite could have been expected in view of the period in which the story was written - at that time, homosexuality is criminalized and listed as a mental illness in Sweden. Her love for Siv made her question her faith and devotion to religious traditions - which were at the core of her assumed depression. It is this questioning that saves her from her neuroses. If i get it right, it’s a testimony of a queer person living in a homophobic environnement but for whom - despite everything - the discovery of her romantic and sexual identity was saving and not a condemnation.
The parallel with Wilhelm’s life is even more beautiful. It’s not just Wilhelm trying to reconcile his desire to be with Simon and his position in the monarchy. His love for Simon spark off his desire to lead a revolution. It’s how their love is what frees Wilhelm from his role of crown prince that stifled him until now and how it helps him to create a new place that suits him better.
