[7] In 1947, she experienced popular success with the publication of her poetry collection Blinkende Lygter (Flickering Lights).

[4] Three of her books, Barndom (Childhood), Ungdom (Youth), and Gift (meaning both poison and married), form an autobiographical trilogy.

[12] The list was compiled using a survey of various literary figures chosen by the newspaper and all books were valid as long as they were first published in the United States after January 1, 2000, including translations such as the one by Nunnally and Favala Goldman.

[12] Throughout her adult life, Ditlevsen struggled with alcohol and drug abuse, and she was admitted to a psychiatric hospital several times, a recurring theme in her later novels.

[16][citation needed] Ditlevsen was awarded the Tagea Brandt Rejselegat in 1953 and De Gyldne Laurbær in 1956.