Jens Bjørneboe Book order

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.

2021
Ere the Cock Crows
292 pages
11 hours of reading
4.0(3)Add rating
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.
2021
Winter in Bellapalma
168 pages
6 hours of reading
3.0(8)Add rating
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.
2017
Powderhouse
208 pages
8 hours of reading
4.9(7)Add rating
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
2017
Moment of Freedom
4.1(21)Add rating
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.
2016
The Sharks
242 pages
9 hours of reading
4.2(6)Add rating
Set against the backdrop of the late 19th century, the narrative follows Peder Jensen, a second mate and introspective philosopher, as he witnesses a ship's journey filled with mutiny and shipwreck. The story explores themes of human fragility and self-destruction while drawing parallels to classic maritime literature. As the rigid hierarchy aboard the ship crumbles, a new sense of community arises among the crew, highlighting the tension between the vastness of the sea and the complexities of human relationships.
2008
The Silence
4.7(6)Add rating
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

Winter in Bellapalma

Powderhouse

Moment of Freedom

The Sharks

The Silence