As you soak up the remaining weeks of summer, now is the perfect time to relax with a good book. In our August issue of Viking, we shared 13 new Nordic books covering a range of genres that offer a glimpse into Scandinavian literature through captivating stories. Here are five more wonderful books from Norwegian authors to add to your list.
1. “Berlin Poplars” by Anne B. Ragde
Written by Norway native Anna B. Ragde, who has authored more than 30 books, “Berlin Poplars” is a Christmas-themed story about an elderly woman who becomes sick, bringing her estranged family together unexpectedly. Conflict and moments of heartfelt togetherness ensue in this dark comedy about family dynamics, hope and what it means to truly belong.
2. “Noriaki” by Endre Ruset
Published in 2017, this poetry book skillfully uses haikus to shed light on the legacy of Noriaki Kasai, a renowned Japanese ski jumper. Oslo-based writer Endre Ruset identified a parallel between haikus and ski jumps—which have three sentences and last three seconds, respectively—to form the foundation for this literary piece, perfect for poetry lovers.
3. “Naïve.Super” by Erlend Loe
This psychological novel dives into the personal world of a 25-year-old man who finds himself feeling uninspired, causing him to withdraw from school. While staying with his brother in New York, he begins making lists and contemplating the concept of time. A series of seemingly mundane events like sending a fax, bouncing a ball and making a new friend contribute to his endearing search for meaning with humor and thoughtful commentary along the way.
4. “Silence: In the Age of Noise” by Erling Kagge
From adventurer Erling Kagge, this book of poetry offers a reflection on the concept of silence, examined through different avenues and questions. Kagge draws from a wealth of personal experience hiking in the outdoors as well as his knowledge of poetry, art and philosophy. Readers will enjoy the space this piece offers to contemplate silence in our lives and will take away a new appreciation for it to carry with them.
5. “The Orange Girl” by Jostein Gaarder
From the author of the widely-loved philosophical novel “Sophie’s World,” this 2011 story details a unique relationship between protagonist Georg and his late father, as Georg finds papers his father left behind and unravels a riddle about a captivating woman his father once knew. Drawing from clues in the letter, the fifteen-year-old begins writing a book and uncovering the past.
For more reading recommendations, check out the December 2020, November 2019, April 2018 and July 2016 issues of Viking.