Books Like...

The Sixteen Trees of the Somme by Lars Mytting is a gripping tale centered on Edvard, a young Norwegian man raised by his grandfather after his parents' mysterious deaths during a trip to France. After the death of his grandfather, secrets about Edvard's family history begin to emerge, involving tragic events from World War I and World War II. Readers follow Edvard as he embarks on a quest to uncover the truth, leading him to the Shetland Islands and deeper into the past, where he encounters love, betrayal, and the haunting legacies of war.

'Peer Gynt' by Henrik Ibsen is a unique play that follows the life of the titular character, Peer Gynt, from his youth to old age. The story is a mix of fantasy and morality play, exploring themes of self-discovery, happiness, and ambition. Peer is portrayed as a complex character who oscillates between being sympathetic and unsympathetic, making questionable decisions throughout his life. The play is written in a poetic form, delving into Peer's adventures and encounters, ultimately leading to reflections on the consequences of his actions.

The Half-Drowned King by Linnea Hartsuyker is a viking historical fiction inspired by the sagas, featuring mythological elements with a touch of magical realism. The story follows siblings Svanhild and Ragnvald as they navigate the Viking age, facing challenges of political intrigue and personal struggles. The book is praised for its well-researched historical setting, strong character development, and engaging plotline that sets up the trilogy nicely.

'Pan' by Knut Hamsun is a novella set in the north of Norway, following the first-person protagonist Thomas Glahn, a Romantic hunter with a vague military background. The story delves into Glahn's amorous pain, erotic jealousy, and multiple love triangles, all narrated with a mix of dream sequences and nature imagery. The book explores the theme of love and its transformative power on the characters, all while questioning the honesty of Glahn's narrative and his alienation from cultured society.

'Naive. Super' by Erlend Loe follows the story of a 20-something protagonist who is lost and unsure of his path in life. The book portrays his journey of trying to connect with the world around him, showcasing his childlike innocence and unique way of viewing the world. The writing style is simple, with short chapters and lists, making it a quick and engaging read that delves into themes of friendship, self-discovery, and finding meaning in life.

'Out Stealing Horses' by Per Petterson is a contemplative novel that delves into the relationship between a father and son, set in Norway during and after WWII. The story follows Trond, a man in his 60s who retreats to a remote cabin to reflect on his past, particularly a transformative summer spent with his father in the backwoods country close to the Swedish border. Through flashbacks, the reader discovers the father's involvement in the resistance movement and the impact it had on their lives. The novel skillfully weaves together themes of boyhood friendship, tragedy, loneliness, and the complexities of familial relationships, all while offering vivid descriptions of the Norwegian landscape.

'Epitaph of a Small Winner' by Machado de Assis is a novel that delves into the life of a man who narrates his own story after his death. The book is described as a fictional posthumous memoir that offers a unique perspective on life, reflecting on themes of procrastination, productivity, and self-reflection. The writing style is praised for being humorous, honest, and engaging, with short, erratic chapters that captivate the reader's attention.

A Death in the Family is the first book in Karl Ove Knausgaard's six-part autobiographical series, My Struggle. The narrative explores Knausgaard's early life and his relationship with his father, particularly focusing on the significant emotional impact of his father's death. The writing is deeply introspective, often reflecting on the mundanities of daily life such as parenting and domestic challenges, while also grappling with profound themes like love, loss, and identity.

Knausgaard's style is notable for its affinity with stream-of-consciousness prose, where he delves into lengthy, detailed observations that transform the mundane into something meaningful. This approach draws parallels with writers like Proust, and readers often find themselves engaged with his candidness and the authenticity of his experiences. Critics highlight the mixture of rich detail and introspective narrative as a captivating element, leaving readers to ponder their own lives through his reflections.

'The Wreath' in the series 'Kristin Lavransdatter' by Sigrid Undset is a historical fiction trilogy set in medieval Scandinavia, particularly in Norway during the 14th century. The story revolves around Kristin Lavransdatter, a woman from a farming background, and her life journey, including her relationships, daily life on manor farms, and the challenges she faces during the medieval period. The writing style is described as immersive, beautiful, and detailed, providing insight into the daily life, work, and societal norms of that era.

Smilla's Sense of Snow by Peter Høeg is a compelling mystery novel centered around Smilla Jaspersen, a half-Inuit, half-Danish woman. The story begins with the death of a young boy from her apartment building, which Smilla believes is a murder. As she investigates, her expertise in snow tracking and her unique heritage propel her into a maze of suspense and violence. The plot unfolds through her personal struggles, her relationships, and her quest for truth, showcasing the marginalization of indigenous people in contemporary society.

Høeg's writing style is praised for being evocative and detailed, providing a rich backdrop of Greenland's landscape and culture alongside the unfolding mystery. Readers find the first half of the book engaging, filled with sharp, introspective commentary. However, some opinions express disappointment with the ending, which seems to abandon character development in favor of technical explanations. Overall, Smilla's journey is intriguing, offering both a thrilling narrative and a critique of societal issues.