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A review by lamorcom
A House in Norway by Vigdis Hjorth
4.0
An extended slice of life novel, which was an uncomfortable but also a gripping read. I understand some readers found the opposite and wanted more of a resolution or climax to the narrative, but for me this was the strength of the book and I was satisfied with the narrative thread as well as the ending. This is a very Scandinavian book, preoccupied with anxiety surrounding privilege. The mundanity and pettiness of the interactions and arguments between Alma, the Norwegian landlord and Slawomira, her Polish tenant are so realistic and relatable. If Hjorth’s aim was to make her readers take a good look at their own opinions and prejudices, this was a deft method of doing so.
It may just be personal preference with style but I wasn’t always sure that the translation was the best, however. There were some sentences I had to reread several times to understand. This may have been due to the stream of consciousness style of Alma’s thoughts but I think it could have been made a little clearer. Overall a very thought provoking, enjoyable, if slightly stress-inducing story!
It may just be personal preference with style but I wasn’t always sure that the translation was the best, however. There were some sentences I had to reread several times to understand. This may have been due to the stream of consciousness style of Alma’s thoughts but I think it could have been made a little clearer. Overall a very thought provoking, enjoyable, if slightly stress-inducing story!