Den blinde abe

Thorstein Thomsen · 2015 · Grade level: 7.-9. klasse

Evaluated against: Biblical (Christian) values framework

Few or no findings

A 2015 young adult novel about three boys—Morten, Anders, and Johnny—growing up in Lyngby in 1962. They come from families with different economic circumstances and problems. Their friendship is tested when Morten and Anders fall in love with the same girl, and the crisis deepens when the blind monkey dies, which devastates Johnny's mother psychologically.

What the book is about

Thomsen's 'Den blinde abe' portrays the boys' path to adulthood with an authentic voice. The book addresses themes of friendship, first love, parental choices, and life's difficulties. Set in post-war Lyngby, it explores how boys around age 13 become aware of their parents' roles, their own boundaries, and the importance of human solidarity.

Findings against the framework

Violence & cruelty

Not established

Sources mention the death of the blind monkey as a turning point, but provide no details about violent or cruel depictions.

Sexual content

Mild

The book addresses first love among 13-year-old boys, including Morten and Anders falling in love with the same girl. Sources indicate focus on the boys' awareness of love but no explicit sexual content.

Sources: Ringkoebing-Skjern Bibliotekerne · Chapter.dk

Treatment of the sacred

None found

No sources indicate content related to God, faith, or Christian values, either positive or negative.

Worldview & message

Mild

The book explores hope and resilience in the face of life's difficulties. Thomsen's children's books are characterized by the idea that even imperfect families can be filled with love and joy. The message is about growing up, understanding others, and developing compassion.

Sources: Lyngby-Taarbæk Bibliotekerne

Occult content

None found

No sources mention occult content in the work.

Profanity

Not established

Sources do not establish the level of profanity or crude language in 'Den blinde abe'.

The other side — why schools teach it

The book is recognized by Danish schools as valuable young adult literature because it authentically and compassionately portrays the boys' inner lives and their encounter with adulthood. Thomsen is a recognized and respected children's and young adult author with many acclaimed works. The book reflects important Danish themes—poverty, divorce, alcohol—and teaches young readers about empathy and human resilience. While set in a specific time (1962), it has universal significance for modern youth.

Questions to ask the teacher

How does the animal's death affect the boys' understanding of grief and loss?
What do the parents' problems reveal about society in 1962 Lyngby?
How does each boy handle the conflict over the same girl?
What role does compassion and solidarity play in the story?

Confidence: Moderate

This assessment is based on secondary sources (publisher, library, review sites) without full text access. Conclusions about content (especially violence, language, and explicit details) are moderate and based on themes highlighted in available sources. For a more precise assessment, reading the full work is recommended.