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Friday 5 December 2014

Norwegian literature challenge 2015



For the time being, there is no specific plan. I'm intending to force myself to read these books in Norwegian. 

2014 is coming to a close, the Russian literature challenge will soon be over (though it definitely doesn't mean that I'll no longer read Russian books), I'm thinking of creating for myself another challenge: Norwegian literature.
Why? The reasons are mostly personal: to know the literature of the country in which I live, to be less ignorant, to get rid of certain prejudices, to improve my language skills, etc. 
The rules are the same. There are 4 levels: 
  • Level 1: 1 - 3 books
  • Level 2: 4 - 6 books
  • Level 3: 7 - 12 books
  • Level 4: 12 + books
Which level to go for? No idea. 
Which authors? Henrik Ibsen? I read Et dukkehjem in my 1st year in Norway, which hardly made an impression, so should try again. Knut Hamsun? Definitely. Tried reading Sult a few years ago and gave up, in frustration, after some chapters, but I'll try again, if not that one then something else by Hamsun- perhaps in English, because his Norwegian is quite different. Karl Ove Knausgård? Daunting, and I'm not sure that I'd like to read about his life with lots of personal, intimate details about the people around him, but we'll see. Erlend Loe? I've read Naiv.Super. and found it so-so. 
Others to consider: the other 3 of De fire store besides Henrik Ibsen- Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson, Jonas Lie and Alexander Kielland; Sigrid Undset (Nobel winner); Camilla Collett (1st Norwegian feminist); Tarjei Vesaas, Dag Solstad, Olav Duun, Kjell Askildsen, Roy Jacobsen, Jan Kjærstad, Jens Bjørneboe...
Recommendations are appreciated and will be considered, after all I know almost nothing about Norwegian literature. 
This is mostly created for myself, but if interested you are welcome to join. 
:) 











Photo: from http://www.geocaching.com/track/details.aspx?id=3719954

2 comments:

  1. Although I am anxious about venturing into such different territory, I will -- I hope -- be able to join in your challenge at the wimp level of 1-to-3 books, with the option to go beyond if time and motivation permit. Now, because I am so familiar with Ibsen, I need to force myself into new territory. I will post at my blog when I confirm my commitment to your challenge.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. All right.
      I don't think I will go far either. Level 2 at most.

      Delete

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