A nice little novella from the recent Nobel Prize winner. After reading his Septology series and now this, it is clear that Fosse loves a good inner mA nice little novella from the recent Nobel Prize winner. After reading his Septology series and now this, it is clear that Fosse loves a good inner monologue and ambiguity. The reader will quickly gravitate towards death and religion here, as I believe Fosse intends. It can actually be quite moving, but for the most part this is just a pretty but minor work from a great writer. Fosse newbies should not start here....more
This final installment of Fosse’s Septology continues the unique reading experience that was created with the first two books. It could be said that FThis final installment of Fosse’s Septology continues the unique reading experience that was created with the first two books. It could be said that Fosse’s approach grew even more experimental with some of the prose and stream-of-conscious style. That being said, this one felt slightly more flat than the first two books. Maybe I became a little fatigued with the style, maybe Asle became a little tiresome at times. It certainly felt more rushed; as if Fosse was a little tired of the project himself. The ending felt half fleshed. The Septology as a whole is excellent, but ‘A New Name’ is just good. This review probably sounds overly negative, but that’s only a result of my high regard for Fosse. All literature lovers will enjoys this. Solid three stars....more
Perhaps appropriately, I am having difficulty finding the words to express the power of this novel. Mattis is a simpleton who finds himself grasping aPerhaps appropriately, I am having difficulty finding the words to express the power of this novel. Mattis is a simpleton who finds himself grasping at straws to understand the 'clever' people around him. Vesaas tells this story through the eyes of Mattis, allowing the reader to share in his confusion while at the same time understand people and situations in a way that Mattis cannot. It struck me as a painful reading experience. But in a way it illustrates what everyone feels from time to time. Who hasn't had a hard time conveying their intentions clearly to others? Our awareness fails us more than we would probably like to admit. To top it all of, 'The Birds' contains beautiful writing and more meaning than this simple reader can attempt to interpret. And even though the ending is evident 50 pages ahead of time, it does not diminish its impact. High four stars....more
This is my first KOK read, and what stands out to me is his desire to theorize on large themes or concepts through the small, seemingly mundane detailThis is my first KOK read, and what stands out to me is his desire to theorize on large themes or concepts through the small, seemingly mundane details of his characters' lives. Thus a 666 page book of what appears to be a new series. KOK does not do small apparently.
I will echo what other reviewers have stated; 'The Morning Star' starts slowly. The first two hundred or so pages are buried with minute details of each characters flaws and troubles. But the novel builds and the significance of those pages becomes apparent as characters cross paths, both directly and indirectly, and the larger concepts of the novel become evident. Parts of this novel are downright creepy. One reviewer called it Jurassic Park-like at times and I agree. It's a fun mixture of thriller and horror with literary ambitions.
While I am giving 'The Morning Star' a high four stars, I expect (or hope maybe?) that this series as a whole will occupy 5 star territory once KOK has laid all of his cards on the table. If you are considering this one, I highly recommend it, although understand you are committing to cliffhangers and open endings and you will need to exercise patience for the next installments. The good news is that KOK has already submitted the second book to his publishers....more
Love the thematic quality of this septology, and of course the calming prose of Fosse. Exploring art, faith, time and death, Fosse seems to be a man oLove the thematic quality of this septology, and of course the calming prose of Fosse. Exploring art, faith, time and death, Fosse seems to be a man of depth. The only thing holding this back from getting the full five stars is the repetitiveness of thoughts and dialogue. I understand why Fosse uses this approach- it is meant to mimic the internal thoughts and communications of an insecure man- but it can be just slightly annoying to hear the same thoughts and words repeated over and over. Once the third and final installment is published (hopefully soon), I believe this septology will be greater than the sum of its parts. It would be cool if Transit decided to offer an edition with the full septology sometime in the future as well. I'm very excited to see where this one heads. Highly recommended...more
I have been wary of these recent novels that consist of one run-on sentence (Reservoir 13 & Ducks, Newburyport being in mind) but this Septology seemeI have been wary of these recent novels that consist of one run-on sentence (Reservoir 13 & Ducks, Newburyport being in mind) but this Septology seemed like a cool project from Fosse so I took the plunge.
It takes a few pages to get the rhythm of the book, but once you find it 'The Other Name' reads smoothly. I enjoyed the sudden shifts from memory to present day. Asle's childhood memories towards the end of the novel were particularly well done, as was the playground scene with Ales. The dialogue can be repetitive and frustrating, and Asle's forgetfulness was overdone, but I also liked his internal debates regarding theology and painting. I've never read a book that seems to remain in a constant state of delusion quite like this (Under the Volcano maybe).
As a standalone novel, this is four star territory. Once the Septology is complete and available to readers, I have a strong feeling the project as a whole will be quite the reading experience. My first experience reading Fosse and I look forward to reading more....more
Yes, it's a rollicking sailing adventure with fisticuffs, storms, sharks and mutiny, but it is also a social commentary on greed, race relations, goveYes, it's a rollicking sailing adventure with fisticuffs, storms, sharks and mutiny, but it is also a social commentary on greed, race relations, governmental neglect and the income gap. I read another review that compared this to Moby Dick-and not just because of the whole sailing thing. I agree. The writing style is similar- probably intentionally so- and Bjorneboe is not afraid to insert tangential chapters that add little to the story itself but give the book a depth that would otherwise be lacking. Captain Anderson has Ahab qualities as well; instead of an obsessive quest for a white wale, however, Anderson has succumbed to his insatiable thirst for more wealth.
Bjorneboe seems to have a conflicted legacy in Scandinavia, and it's a shame he is not more widely read. I plan to get to his earlier work asap. Excellent stuff and highly recommended....more