In this edition of Alum to Alum, we share a guest contribution from Lund University alumnus Christian Ranevi. When an engineer rediscovers the power of writing, it led to Leonora’s Descendants – a fantasy tale exploring gender, identity and power, asking: what if the freedom to choose came at the highest cost?
Guest writer Christian Ranevi
Christian Ranevi, 39, lives in Lund but grew up in Löddeköpinge. He studied Civil Engineering (Väg- och vattenbyggnad) at LTH from 2006 to 2010.
From Engineer to Storyteller
I am debuting as a published author with Leonoras ättlingar (Leonora’s Descendants). The book (which for now is only published in Swedish) is an adventure story and coming-of-age tale in a fantasy format. At the same time, it reflects on our society’s views on gender.
Since graduation (Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Structural and Water Engineering), I have worked as a structural engineer, designing buildings with regard to stability, load-bearing capacity and durability. This has been my primary creative outlet in daily life.
In my youth, I wrote mostly poems and letters to the editor for Postis in Sydsvenskan, and later I contributed as a letter writer for the temperance movement. However, I lost touch with writing for a number of years. In 2012, I had an idea and began the manuscript for Leonora’s Descendants, rediscovering my passion for writing. The story’s idea came from a reflection on gender and the use of the Swedish pronoun “hen.”
Writing in Life’s Gaps
For many years, I wrote only sporadically, whenever life allowed. Becoming a father to two daughters strengthened my motivation to complete the manuscript. Seeing the world through their eyes gave me reason to explore gender, while also reflecting on how humans develop as individuals during their formative years.
On Christmas Day 2020, I submitted the manuscript for part one (the book consists of three parts) to various publishers, without success. I continued writing the following parts, still in occasional bursts over time. My writing only became regular in 2022, when I worked with a psychologist to find ways out of a mild depression. Writing became a source of meaning beyond work and being a husband and father.
Overcoming Doubt
I kept my writing secret for much of the process to avoid pressure to finish it; for a while, the act of writing itself was the most important thing. I also struggled with doubts about whether my writing was good enough. When doubt weighed heaviest, I remembered something my mother told me as a child: “One day you could become a writer.”
By 2023, I had a draft manuscript for the entire book (parts one through three). I then worked with editor Helena Hansen to develop it further. In 2024, I submitted it to various publishers, and in early 2025, I signed a contract with Visto Förlag, where I received excellent support from Matilda Olsson. By the end of 2025, the editorial process was complete, and now I am proud to present a finished book.
Beyond Writing
In addition to writing, I enjoy watching films. Like film, books allow me to escape reality but also explore it from different perspectives. This is what I aim to achieve with my book: to spark reflection on society’s view of gender, set in a different world. The story, however, is primarily an adventure and coming-of-age tale in a fantasy setting, aimed at teenagers and young adults, but intended to be read by all ages.
The Story of Leonora’s Descendants
In a world ruled by women, a group is born genderless and chooses a gender in a ritual on their fifteenth birthday. In Kim’s case, the ritual fails. Hen remains genderless despite dreaming of becoming a woman. Kim sets out on an expedition to find answers, accompanied by Robert, a friend who chose to be male against his parents’ wishes.
Janette, a queen in a long line of rulers, leads the kingdom with support from her closest advisor and friend, Thera. She is idolized by parts of the population, despite social divides and injustices.
Rebels, led by Maria and Evelyn, challenge her rule with promises of equality and democracy. Can we live as equals, regardless of gender? And can the people choose their ruler?
Kay leads the royal forces on the battlefield to meet the looming threat, but doubts grow within him. Is a warrior’s loyalty greatest to their commanders or to the people?
The paths of these characters intersect, and their lives intertwine. Beyond gender and growing up, the story explores justice, democracy and love.
A Hope for Reflection
My hope is that all readers recognise the ways we develop as individuals, especially during youth, and that the book contributes to an ongoing discussion about gender, democracy and justice in our own society.