This is a beautifully written introspective story. On a grey November day, Nils Vik takes his last journey on his ferry boat on a Norwegian fjord. On the way, some dead passengers join him; other former passengers who have died observe as witnesses. His last day alive is not sad, but often transcendent with memories of relationships with his late wife Marta, his two daughters, and many others (including a dead dog who can talk). There is a spareness to his life that is meaningful. Finally, the writing (translated by Alison McCullough) is often breathtaking: “two brothers were like magnets with the same polarity – they approached each other, pushed against each other, and were flung apart again”. Overall, a masterful story about an ordinary yet utterly profound life – highly recommended.
Category: Norway
Blood Ties – Jo Nesbo
Nesbo is an expert Nordic Noir author but his crime thrillers are typically from the perspective of the police and the actions of the legendary Detective Harry Hole. This interesting book instead features insight into the psyche of two brothers who are criminals (and killers). Can the brothers continue to cover their tracks over past murders and current criminal actions like bribery and overt threats? What about the stress of sibling rivalry? Great fun to read.
The Kingdom – Jo Nesbo
Nesbo is best known for his Scandinavian-noir crime novels featuring Detective Harry Hole. His new book also concerns crime in Norway but from the point-of-view of the perpetrators. Roy and Carl are brothers living on a mountain top. Roy works in a service station and as the elder brother, he functions as Carl’s keeper, first as children and now as adults. Nesbo’s stories typically address issues like morality, but this book is particularly philosophical. Motives for bad behaviour are explored, casual violence leads to murder. Acceptance of violence is a seemingly casual action. Untypically, romantic relationships occur, and the L-word (love) is used. And complex relationships are complicated by lies, deceit and willful ignorance of certain realities. Simply put, this is one of Nesbo’s best books.
Knife – Jo Nesbo
The latest Harry Hole thriller is brilliant, one of his best. Hole’s usual chaotic life is even more nightmarish with binge drinking and blackouts. A fiendish villain plots to frame Hole for a murder that Harry can’t be sure that he isn’t guilty of. So a diabolical plot with Hole’s behaviour driven by revenge and some very dubious actions. Finally there is a very satisfying enigmatic ending. Overall, an outstanding example of Scandinavian noir crime thrillers.
The Thirst – Jo Nesbo
Another Harry Hole novel – hurrah! The story is rather bloody: a serial killer in Oslo with vampirism (you will have to look up the precise meaning of this word). There are two main reasons why this book is a splendid read. First, there are long discussions of moral philosophy – why does Harry obsessively pursue the solution to murders, knowing the strain this obsession places on his relationships? And second, the plot is intricate and impossible to predict. This is great summer reading.
What David Read 