Brian Dan Christensen is a Danish-American writer and translator known for his work in different genres, including fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. He has also made a name for himself as a translator, bringing the works of notable English-language authors such as Jack Kerouac, Graham Greene and Garrison Keillor to Danish readers. The English version of his critically acclaimed third novel, The Road to Alberta, came out in 2024.
Brian Dan Christensen grew up in Denmark. He earned an M.A. in Comparative Literature. After spending several years in the United States, living in places such as San Francisco and Brooklyn, he returned to Denmark to become a pastor. "I've always wondered what I would be if I weren't a writer," Christensen once mused, "and when I heard myself say 'pastor', I knew it was time to embrace both vocations."
His novels often deal with human emotions, social issues and the interplay between personal experiences and larger historical contexts. One of his most outstanding works, The Road to Alberta, published in English in 2024, follows the life of Howard Walker, a 62-year-old Vietnam veteran and jack-of-all-trades, as he embarks on a journey across America.
In addition to his fiction, Christensen co-wrote the bestselling biography One Dollar Man with Ole Sønnichsen. The book tells the story of Danish immigrant William S. Knudsen, who became president of General Motors and played a crucial role in the United States' World War II arms production. This work demonstrates Christensen's versatility in both fiction and non-fiction.
Today, Christensen divides his time between the Danish island of Ærø and upstate New York, where he continues to write and translate. He lives with his wife, Dana, an American photographer, and their two cats.
Photo credit: briandanchristensen.com
