Before Ari Behn took his own life in Christmas 2019, he and his daughter, Maud Angelica Behn, had a plan to make a children’s book together. It never happened.
Maud Angelica has now written and illustrated her own book – which she calls a story for children and adults about hope and the way forward.
During her father’s funeral, Maud Angelica touched an entire nation with the speech, in which she encouraged people with mental challenges to seek help.
In the afterword to the book, Maud Angelica writes that suicide is never a way out, and no matter how hopeless everything feels, it is always possible that things will get better.
“Although drawing has helped me through difficult times, real human encounters have been my salvation, whether the professional help or friends and family who have been there for me,” she writes.
Juritzen publishing house informs Dagbladet that Maud Angelica does not want to be interviewed in connection with the book release.
– He was always really proud
HOPE: Maud Angelica Behn has now written and illustrated her own book that will create hope. Here, the royal family is pictured during a holiday visit to Vardø in 2015. Photo: Vidar Ruud / NTB.
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Story of hope
Publisher Arve Juritzen believes Maud Angelica is both clear, personal and gripping in the book, which began with her writing a poem.
– There is hope in the book and I think it will make more people seek help, says Juritzen.
– I think the book is both important and life-saving.
Maud Angelica makes her debut with a story about a girl who knits threads of tears.
“Tears that creep in everywhere and darken what was once nice. But then a helping hand comes ».
– The grief will always be there
– A rolemodel
National leader in Mental Health, Jill Arild, believes Maud Angelica’s forthcoming book is important.
– Especially with her story where she lost her father far too soon. We hope this book can challenge the authorities to provide good enough offers for those who ask for help, says Arild to Dagbladet.
– How important has Maud Angelica been for people with mental challenges?
– Maud Angelica is a role model. She meets all people with her openness. The fact that she showed so much care and consideration for others who have mental health challenges just when she had lost her father, shows how wonderful she is. Her openness and courage have been important to us all. In particular, the message that it is important to talk to someone if you are struggling has been important, says Arild.
ILLUSTRATOR: Maud Angelica has both written and illustrated the book that will be published on Wednesday. Photo: John Andresen
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Mental Health
In 2019, Ari Behn took his own life, 47 years old. The family has always been open about Behn’s cause of death.
During her father’s funeral, Maud Angelica gave a speech as received enormous attention. The personal and vulnerable speech was hailed by several. She was also awarded The Tara award “The bravest woman of the year 2020” for the speech.
Maud Angelica Behn came with a strong appeal.
– I want to say to everyone who has been through this – there is always a way out. Even if it does not feel that way. There are people out there who can help. You can get help. I ask you with all my heart, soul and body – ask for help. It’s never a shame. It is a strength, not a weakness. You can also go to a professional, they are there to help, said Maud Angelica.
