Scan barcode
torfinn's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
It’s really difficult to review this book, let alone give a somewhat objective recommendation.
Even though the German version has almost 900 pages, I rushed through them relatively quickly. Knausgård is really readable, even when there’s longer philosophical passages. I was sceptical about the supernatural aspect of the story, but to me it felt fitting. That being said though, I can see people not liking this idea.
Even though the German version has almost 900 pages, I rushed through them relatively quickly. Knausgård is really readable, even when there’s longer philosophical passages. I was sceptical about the supernatural aspect of the story, but to me it felt fitting. That being said though, I can see people not liking this idea.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Toxic relationship, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
gidazz's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mollybonovskyanderson's review against another edition
5.0
Wow.
I have read 8 books by Karl Ove Knausgaard, but this is the first novel. I'm pleased to say that his fiction is no different; the detailed depictions of every day life, the ponderance of meaning, life and death, the philosophical forays, the Proustian attention to memory and time, it's all there, and I won't soon forget this book. Of course the cast of characters and subplots is enormous, and most of them are left unfinished at the end, which would not bother me in any other book, but it's clear they are all meant to unite and collide in some way, and for that, I guess I will have to wait until the next book. But this novel alone is so full of unforgettable visuals, unique characters (all, I assume, some semblance of the author himself), outright frightening events, and the deep-dives into theology and existentialism that keep me reading every word Knausgaard writes.
I have read 8 books by Karl Ove Knausgaard, but this is the first novel. I'm pleased to say that his fiction is no different; the detailed depictions of every day life, the ponderance of meaning, life and death, the philosophical forays, the Proustian attention to memory and time, it's all there, and I won't soon forget this book. Of course the cast of characters and subplots is enormous, and most of them are left unfinished at the end, which would not bother me in any other book, but it's clear they are all meant to unite and collide in some way, and for that, I guess I will have to wait until the next book. But this novel alone is so full of unforgettable visuals, unique characters (all, I assume, some semblance of the author himself), outright frightening events, and the deep-dives into theology and existentialism that keep me reading every word Knausgaard writes.
laufal's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
ertbert's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
dietsmarrissjohnson's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lottececilie's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
anthsu's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
tarrowood's review against another edition
5.0
I didn’t want to put this one down. I was disappointed that it ended. I wanted more.
Knausgaard intricately weaves a kaleidoscopic narrative of a singular event over the course of only two days. Every character seems to being doing the mundane, yet their revelations and reactions to this phenomenal event speaks beyond their reality into their deeper beliefs.
This is one I’m filing away for a future paper idea that I’ve been stewing on, too
Knausgaard intricately weaves a kaleidoscopic narrative of a singular event over the course of only two days. Every character seems to being doing the mundane, yet their revelations and reactions to this phenomenal event speaks beyond their reality into their deeper beliefs.
This is one I’m filing away for a future paper idea that I’ve been stewing on, too
lerathalas's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0