Chapter 1: An Unexpected Journey into Entomology

In the pages of The Fly Trap by Fredrik Sjöberg, a writer whose name might be unfamiliar to many, I find myself utterly absorbed, though the book's essence remains elusive. The narrative starts with Sjöberg recounting his experience as a prop master for a Swedish theatrical adaptation of Sam Shepard’s Curse of Starving Class, where he was astounded by an actor’s ability to urinate on cue.

Relocating to a quaint island in Sweden, Sjöberg discovers that his true passion lies in collecting the flies that flit around blossoms. He candidly reflects, “That’s a fate that takes some getting used to.” Though he identifies as an entomologist, he feels more aligned with the role of a storyteller, unsure of his narrative’s direction. “Some days I convince myself that I aim to express the artistry and sometimes the joy found within limitations, as well as the clarity of the landscape,” he muses.

He transitions into a lyrical description of a Finnish entomologist who studied insect wing frequencies, introducing me to the term “pooter”—a handy tool for capturing hovering flies. Soon, he encounters a British botanist named Runmaro, who curiously states, “I’m looking for you,” which he later realizes actually meant he was searching for yew trees that thrive on the island.

As I delve deeper, chuckling at Sjöberg’s dry wit regarding tourists and absorbing his insights on hoverflies, collectors' narcissism, and the often-misunderstood nature of slowness, I’m compelled to ponder aloud, “Who is this intriguing individual?”

Sjöberg, now 56, is indeed a respected figure in Sweden’s literary scene. He has made a name for himself through his writings in Swedish publications, focusing on environmental issues, science, and local culture. After a series of somewhat overlooked popular science books, he embarked on a quest to pen a “sort of memoir” about his life on Runmaro, where he and his wife Johanna, who raised three daughters, have resided for three decades. Released in 2004, The Fly Trap unexpectedly became a literary sensation in Sweden, selling 30,000 copies. It has since been translated into nine languages and will see its English release in the U.S. in June.

To our excitement at Nautilus, we are thrilled to showcase an excerpt from The Fly Trap in this issue. This marks the first new story in Nautilus Prime, our subscription series that offers bonus articles, tablet editions of our acclaimed print magazine, and eBooks of all our online publications.

Curious to learn more about Sjöberg's unique perspective, I reached out to him while he was at his Stockholm apartment, where he often finds inspiration for his writing. In our conversation, he was as entertaining, insightful, and engaging as he is in his book.

Chapter 2: The Making of The Fly Trap

Sjöberg reveals, “I composed it in a mere 100 days. For years, I had envisioned writing about limitations—though, ironically, the book encompasses nearly everything! It was my first work penned in Stockholm, as I sought a change from island life. So, I left my family behind and immersed myself in writing every day.”

Why the focus on limitations? “Many people adore island living, while others feel trapped. I cherish it and began to ponder why. In my youth, I learned that when faced with limited time, connections flourish. I had a fleeting yet magical encounter at Los Angeles airport with a young woman from Chile, knowing we had just hours together—another form of limitation I wished to explore. Hence, my themes encompass geographical and temporal limits. Collecting flies brought me joy during a reflective phase in my 40s.”

When did his fascination with fly collecting begin? “It started around 2001 with my friend, poet Tomas Tranströmer, a Nobel laureate. Growing up on Runmaro, he had collected insects in his youth. I penned a small book about his collection, which ignited my own interest. However, knowing insects seldom pique interest, I began to weave narratives about people, scientists, and artists.”

Despite his profound knowledge, Sjöberg does not hold a degree in science. “No formal Ph.D. in biology for me, but I do possess two honorary doctorates, which I collect! I had studied biology for several years and interacted with biologists since childhood through my insect collecting endeavors.”

Were his parents in the scientific field? “Not at all. My father was an engineer and photographer, while my mother worked in a kindergarten. Growing up in a small Swedish town, I constantly oscillated between nature and urban life. Writers often harbor a touch of narcissism; we yearn to be masters of the universe. To excel in beetle collecting demands a lifetime of dedication, and even then, mastery is elusive. However, since few collect these specific flies, I became an expert quite rapidly.”

Chapter 3: Life on Runmaro

He describes Runmaro as a small island, measuring 15 square kilometers with nine lakes. “I reside on the shore of one of those lakes. The island boasts around 700 flowering plant species and a population that fluctuates from about 250 to 4,000, depending on the season.”

Why did he choose to reside there? “At 25, I moved to Stockholm for theater work, but after a few years, I met my wife, and with a growing family, we sought affordable housing. Back in the ’80s, old shacks on the islands were still relatively inexpensive. We bought a modest 60-square-meter home from the 1890s, which lacked running water for the first decade. My wife, a bookbinder, had her materials crammed into one corner. We were young and foolish, and that turned out to be fortunate.”

What draws him to hoverflies? “They are stunning, but their ecological diversity captivates me even more. Identifying a species reveals a lot about the environment’s quality. I’ve long been passionate about biodiversity and once translated Edward O. Wilson’s The Diversity of Life into Swedish. For me, flies were a means to interpret the landscape, akin to how birdwatchers or botanists engage with nature.”

What defines a collector’s mindset? “Collectors often seek a sense of control in a world rife with information. For those raised in Sweden, acquiring anything is easy, and thus mastering a niche becomes essential. Collecting flies requires deep focus, and thankfully, it’s far cheaper than indulgent habits like drinking!”

Did he foresee the success of The Fly Trap? “Not at all; I anticipated a few thousand sales at most. I never imagined it would resonate internationally. While I had literary ambitions, I never aspired to be a biologist. The critics initially struggled to categorize my work, prompting me to consider it a memoir—a label I now embrace.”

The Fly Trap is the first of a trilogy, with subsequent volumes released in Sweden and slated for publication in Europe and the U.S. Has anyone likened him to Karl Ove Knausgaard, given the latter's global acclaim? “I’ve received numerous comparisons over the years, but never that specific one. You may call me whatever you wish, but I prefer not to be dubbed ‘Lord of the Flies.’”

The first video titled "If you can't Fly, Then Run by Martin Luther King Jr | Most inspiring Speech" explores the themes of perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges.

The second video, "The Fly King," delves into the world of Fredrik Sjöberg and his passion for fly collection and the stories behind his unique memoir.