Longlist 2026 — Publishing

Theatre of Thives is the third book in Inger Merete Hobbelstad’s Christmas series about Anton and Emilie, and contains 24 illustrations, one for each day leading up to Christmas. The book is a standalone sequel to The Glass King (Norwegian: Glasskongen) and The Winter Guest ( Norwegian:Vintergjesten), combining historical fantasy, mystery and holiday storytelling.

While working on the illustrations, it was important for me to find a very specific time and place: old Christiania during a period shaped by class divisions and new industrial change. A large part of the process involved searching for visual references from late 19th century architecture, interiors and clothing, and trying to make these environments feel alive again.

The project also became a reminder of the value of time-consuming craftsmanship, research and human interpretation in image-making, especially in a time where visual production is moving increasingly fast.

Author Inger Merete Hobbelstad was closely involved in developing the motifs and atmosphere of the book, with a strong desire to create a world balancing nostalgia, mystery and holiday atmosphere, where each chapter also carries its own visual identity.

The illustrations are first drawn by hand in pencil to preserve texture and linework, before being completed digitally in a process that attempts to build a bridge between traditional drawing techniques and digital surfaces.