Exploring the Complex Bond in Helle Helle’s *They*

Helle Helle’s novel *They* intricately examines the evolving relationship between a teenage daughter and her terminally ill mother, set against the backdrop of a quiet Danish town. The narrative unfolds in a minimalist style, emphasizing the profound emotional exchanges that define their bond.

The Guardian

The unnamed mother and her 16-year-old daughter reside above a hairdresser’s in Lolland, Denmark, where their lives are marked by simplicity and routine. Their relationship is characterized by a deep, symbiotic closeness, illustrated through shared moments such as sitting together by the window and enjoying local weekly publications. The daughter, preoccupied with her social life and friendships, particularly with Tove Dunk, experiences the typical anxieties of adolescence, including concerns about popularity and self-image.

The Guardian

The narrative takes a poignant turn when the mother receives a terminal diagnosis, with doctors estimating she has six months to a year to live. This revelation alters the dynamics of their relationship, as the daughter must navigate the complexities of care and emotional support. Hospital visits become a new reality, providing some of the novel's most touching scenes, such as moments of shared laughter and vulnerability, including a scene where they sing together, highlighting their enduring connection despite the looming tragedy.

The Guardian

As the mother returns from the hospital, the daughter faces the challenges of adulthood, taking on responsibilities like cleaning and managing their home. This role reversal is fraught with emotional turmoil, as the daughter grapples with her feelings of helplessness and frustration. Helle captures these moments with precision, portraying the daughter’s irrational reactions, such as crying in a shop or developing an inexplicable aversion to a carpet, which reflect her internal struggle to cope with her mother’s illness.

The Guardian

*They* delves into the nuances of familial duty and the inevitability of change. The novel’s strength lies in its detailed observations of everyday interactions that often go unnoticed, building a powerful narrative around the themes of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of life. Helle’s writing encourages readers to appreciate the small moments that define relationships, urging them to slow down and reflect on the complexities of existence.

The Guardian

Critics have noted that Helle’s approach avoids sentimentality, instead presenting a realistic portrayal of life continuing amidst sorrow. The novel’s ability to evoke deep emotional responses through understated prose has been widely praised, making it a significant contribution to contemporary literature.

The Guardian

• “The doctors can relieve the symptoms but the condition can’t be cured … Six months, perhaps a year.” — Helle Helle, *They*

The Guardian

• “ Another when they sing If You’re Happy and You Know It together: “They laugh until they cry, it goes on for quite some time.” — Helle Helle, *They*

The Guardian

• “They sit by the window a lot, and on the settee, and with the free local weekly … They lift their mugs, sip synchronous mouthfuls.” — Helle Helle, *They*

The Guardian

In summary, *They* is a profound exploration of the mother-daughter relationship, marked by the realities of terminal illness and the enduring power of love and connection.

The Guardian