Powderhouse
- 208 pages
- 8 hours of reading
Powderhouse is a novel which is set in an asylum for the criminally insane, where the narrator functions as a kind of porter, observing and commenting on the foibles of inmates and keepers alike
Jens Bjørneboe Books
October 9, 1920 – May 9, 1976
Jens Bjørneboe was a Norwegian writer and painter whose work served as a potent, eloquent critique of Norwegian society and Western civilization. His uncompromising humanism and relentless pursuit of truth led him through a turbulent life marked by profound depression, alcoholism, and even an obscenity conviction. Identifying as an anarcho-nihilist, Bjørneboe's literary output, spanning novels, poetry, and plays, delves into themes of injustice, societal failings, and the human condition. He is regarded as one of Norway's most significant post-war authors, celebrated for a writing style characterized by passion and a courageous willingness to explore extremes.
This volume marks the apex and the culmination of the provocative Norwegian author Jens Bjorneboe's investigations into the nature of evil.
Ere the Cock Crows
- 292 pages
- 11 hours of reading
Exploring the moral dilemmas of individuals during World War II, this chilling novel delves into the lives of Germans involved in Nazi concentration camps. Dr. Reynhardt, a family man, struggles with his role in horrific medical experiments, while Heidenbrand grapples with his complicity driven by ambition. The arrival of Samuel, a Jewish prisoner and childhood friend, complicates their relationships and forces them to confront their choices. The narrative examines themes of inhumanity, the ethics of science, and the weight of free will, reflecting ongoing societal concerns.
This is the first volume of a trilogy which marks the high point of outspokenness and originality of one of Norway's most controversial modern writers.
Winter in Bellapalma
- 168 pages
- 6 hours of reading
Set in a quaint Italian fishing village, the story explores the lives of expatriates navigating love and community dynamics while clashing with local fishermen over tourism development. Through vivid character sketches, it offers a humorous yet insightful social commentary on the tension between modernity and tradition, highlighting the complexities of human interaction amidst differing values. This lighter, engaging read showcases Jens Bjørneboe's talent for blending humor with critical observations of society.
Haiene, som ble det siste litterære arbeidet fra Jens Bjørneboes hånd, er en dramatisk sjøroman og samtidig en myte om det 20. århundret. Bokens beretter er annenstyrmann Peder Jensen på barken «Neptun», som seiler ut fra Manila 21. oktober 1899, og blir registrert som sporløst forsvunnet 21. april 1900. Skildringen av den stormfulle ferden over havet med haiene i kjølvannet, og der elementenes raseri følges av ondskap og grusomhet, blir en symbolsk beretning om de ukjente dyp og utilgjengelige underverdener i menneskesinnet. I Peder Jensens fortelling fins politiske og kulturelle refleksjoner i rikt monn, side om side med fargerike portretter av de ulike mennesketypene om bord.
