'To Kill a Child' - A Story

Stig Dagerman

This is not a normal thing for the Gryphem blog.  It's not usually a place to reprint literary works.  It may be the shootings in Arizona this week that motivate me to present this to you.  Or a devastated friend half a lifetime ago.  Or a personal experience a decade ago.  Or  it may be that this story is so simple and poignant and meaningful.  In any case, I present to you the short story, "To Kill a Child," by Swedish writer Stig Dagerman, as translated by Steven Hartman and found at http://blog.luciolepress.com/2009/09/13/the-incredible-thoughtprovoking-short-story-to-kill-a-child-by-stig-dagerman.aspx. 

WARNING:  If you are emotionally sensitive, this may devastate you.  If you can handle it, understanding this experience will make the pain worthwhile.  The story will affect you, and that may be a good thing in the long run of your life.
   

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After a few days with this story posted on Gryphem, I have decided to pull it.  It is simply too gut-wrenching for this child-friendly location.

I still wish for every adult to read it, if you are up to it.  The link above will take you to the story as posted on the site where I first read it.  It's about 1340 words - quite short for the impact.  Best wishes.

Gryphem