Lars Saaybe Christensen: The Half-Brother

[SFG75]

Just purchased received one from amazon. It looks like a brief read with only 679 pages. From the amazon site:

There can be no doubt but that this book has its place in literary history - not only as the winner of the Nordic Pize for Literature 2002 but also as a landmark in the long march from Beowulf to Eliot, Joyce, Dylan Thomas and beyond. It deserves its place in the canon of great literature.

Lars Saabye Christensen is at his best presenting the cosmos of childhood and family. Towards the end he seems to run out of steam as if he is anxious to get on with the next 764 pages. We look forward to reading them.

......getting giddy about this one.

 

[abecedarian]

That's funny, I have a copy on order from the library I don't expect it before Tuesday though, since the ILL librarian is off today, and the library is closed Sunday and Monday. Such is life in small town USA...too bad I don't have a book in the house to tide me over

 

[SFG75]

That's funny, I have a copy on order from the library

Wow, it's a small world after all.

I don't expect it before Tuesday though, since the ILL librarian is off today, and the library is closed Sunday and Monday.

Okay, I can understand why it isn't open on sunday. But monday?, what gives?

I don't have a book in the house to tide me over

I've been on a good reading tear as of late. I finished one up in two days and I decided to pick up a large one to really get into.

Okay-here's my analysis regarding the first part that I've read. I'll also post it on other places that we frequent :

I read the prologue and first chapter of this book. I do have to say that so far, I really like how it is written. Some have taken issue with the use of current or popular figures in a given author's book. However, you can't avoid such things if you have a character, especially in this case, who is a popular playwright and who hangs with this kind of crowd. On top of that, I can think of some literary giants who were just as guilty of mentioning popular things during their own time. I'm not certain that people who get hung up on this item of criticism are so observant about how prevalent such a practice is, even with their own darling authors that they view as being the best. I really liked the beginning where Barnum appears late to a big party and then appears drunk and condescending towards film makers whom he is supposed to suck up to. I had a good chuckle at his agent, Peder. No relation to our own Peder I hope. :wink: The prologue was very entertaining to read and provided a good "hook" for the reader to begin to get into the story.

The trauma that Vera went through left a big impression, at leaston this reader. I believe the horror of the event was conveyed without overdoing the scene to make it too unbelievable or to not leave a significant impression. The actions of Vera afterwards reminds me a lot of what I have read about PTSD and those who have undergone it. The numbing aloofness and mind's ability to attempt to shut out the experience where in line with what many people who undergo such things experience. The author put some time and homework into the event as Vera does not tell her mother what happened to her. Had she done so, it could be argued that Christensen approached it too lightly and didn't give enough time and development for the seriousness of the act to have it's true impact. The readability of it is a good thing as well. Some books that are this large can be a real chore to read. This one is more of a joy to take in.

 

[Baddie]

Fun to see that some of the nowadays Norwegian authors be read all around the world!

I didn't really enjoy this book by Lars Saabye Christensen.
Must admit that I never finished it. But one day I'll pick it up again and give it another go. (this isn't my favourite gener)

If you enjoy Christensens writing style you should pick up Beatles. I know it's given out in English. Amozon.co.uk are currently unable to deliver it, but maybe someone else can.