Martha Louise (born 1971), studied English literature at Oxford University and more recently received certification as a physical therapist. She met Ari Behn through his mother, Marianne Solberg Behn, who teaches physical therapy at the University of Oslo. Martha Louise was, in fact, one of her students.
Born in Denmark (1972), Ari had a fairly international upbringing, living at various times in Denmark, Ghana, England, and Norway. While in school, he studied the history of ideas and religion. Ari published his first book, Trist som Faen (Sad as Hell), in 1999, which rocketed to Oslo bestseller’s list.
Trist som Faen is a collection of short vignettes about the male experience in various conditions across the lifespan. The sketches of life presented here include the grim realities of logging and unemployment, the thrill of sport, and other confrontations with poverty, sexuality, and temptation (read a review and excerpt of the book by clicking on the resources link below).
The controversy surrounding Ari’s marriage to Martha Louise is centered mainly around the author’s association with illegal substances. Though he claims to distance himself from the use of narcotics and praises those who have made advances against widespread drug use, he refuses to comment on his own history of use. In a travel documentary shown on Norwegian television last year, Ari appeared in several segments involving drug use.
Ari has also spent some time recently working on a documentary about Afghani people, and has visited refugees in neighboring Pakistan. Much to the neutral government’s chagrin, Ari has been clear about disagreeing with US attacks on Afghanistan, blaming Bush for acting without the support of US citizens.
Nevertheless, in comparison to Prince Håkon’s marriage last year to Mette Marit, Norwegian approval ratings have been far more favorable. Whereas 17% of Norwegians disapproved of last year’s wedding when it was announced, only 10% gave unfavorable ratings this time around.
The couple will marry today in Trondheim’s famous Nidaros Cathedral, followed by a wedding banquet at the royal residence. The maid of honor will be Marianne Ulrichsen, a social economist in Norway’s Ministry of Finance. National Theater actor Kåre Conradi will support Ari as best man.
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