I chose Norway for the second week of my Nordic reading, because I instantly had in mind a gateway book that opened up that country’s reading for me. That was the huge bestseller Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder (re-read review soon). Meanwhile, my pile of Norwegian authors does slightly exceed my Danish one, and again I hope to get two or more read and reviewed this week including The Ice Palace by Tarjei Vesaas after finishing the first Lahlum book that I’m currently reading.
I’d love to go to Norway, visit Oslo and the Munch museum, but also perhaps to do the Hurtigruten coastal cruise up to the Arctic circle on the post boat. My late mum did that and loved it.
Back to reading: I’ve read and reviewed a few Norwegian books since I began blogging, listed below. I was particularly taken by the Per Petterson, but haven’t managed to acquire more of his novels since–however, Kim is a huge fan and has reviewed most of his available novels here.
- 1222 by Anne Holt
- Buzz Aldrin, What Happened to You in All the Confusion? by Johan Harstad
- Lazy Days by Erlend Loe
- One Last Time by Helga Flatland
- Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson
- Professor Andersen’s Night by Dag Solstad
- The Assistant by Kjell Ola Dahl
- The Gradual Disappearance of Jane Ashland by Nicolai Houm
- The Snowman by Jo Nesbo
Can you recommend any other modern novels or NF by Norwegian authors to me?
Once upon a time I wanted to study Norqegian at university and translate from that language, since I love that country so much. I would also recommend: cora Sandel (although she is not contemporary), Zero by Gine Cornelia Pedersen and A House in Norway by Vigdis Hjorth, which I am tempted to read for ypur FINDS initiative.
I have Vigdis’ latest one in my pile, might be able to squeeze it in as I finished The Human Flies this morning.
Nice set of books – I of course did Norway yesterday, but not to undermine your lovely pattern, of course!
Have you read anything else by Gaarder? I loved Sophie’s World, but also The Ringmaster’s Daughter and The Orange Girl.
I always meant to but never got around to it! I will look out for those two you mention.
I have only read Sophie’s World which I loved. Should try the other two as well. Thank you for the tips.
Like you, I’d love to go to Norway. It’s the only Scandi country apart from Iceland I’ve not visited. I’d recommend Merethe Lindstrøm’s Days in the History of Silence, Hanne Ørstavik’s Love and for some light relief, Matias Faldbakken’s The Waiter. I enjoyed the Houm and the Pettersen. I suspect I’ll be adding a few to my list as you post your reviews!
I’ve not visited any of the Nordic countries – yet! My mum went to all but Iceland and kept telling me to visit Copenhagen, her favourite, but she did enjoy that Norwegian cruise.
I’ll keep an eye open for the books you recommend.
I had Sophie’s World on my shelves for about 25 years before reading it. Once into it I was totally fascinated by the story. My review here: https://thecontentreader.blogspot.com/2018/11/sophies-world-by-jostein-gaarder.html
As far as thrillers go, I am very fond of Karin Fossum, Unni Lundell and Jörn Lier Horst. Excellent thrillers wit good, and engaging stories behind a crime. I also like Anne Holt and Jo Nesbö. I read Sigrid Undset’s Kristin Lavransdattir some years ago. It is a classic, but surprisingly vivid with a modern feel.
I am about to start my Norwegian choice, Maja Lunde’s ‘The End Of The Ocean’. It is the second book in her climate series. Just finished the first book in the series ‘The History of Bees’ which was a wonderful book. Highly recommended. A review will come soon.
Sophie’s World looks amazing, as does the rest of your list. What a treat this project is, thank you!
I had so many plans for this month Annabel, but Covid put paid to it. I have read a couple of books so hope to review soon, but I won’t be in line with your weekly geographical prompts.
There’s no need to match my geography at all. As and when will be perfect. I hope you’re beginning to feel better now.
A couple of years ago I read a very dark but brilliant novella, ‘Love’ by Hanne Ørstavik, who is very big in Norway: https://readingandwatchingtheworld.home.blog/2019/11/09/hanne-orstavik-love/