Melancholy I-II
-
-
5.0 • 1 Rating
-
-
- 59,00 kr
-
- 59,00 kr
Publisher Description
Melancholy I-II is a fictional invocation of the nineteenth-century Norwegian artist Lars Hertervig, who painted luminous landscapes, suffered mental illness and died poor in 1902. In this wild, feverish narrative, Jon Fosse delves into Hertervig's mind as the events of one day precipitate his mental breakdown. A student of Hans Gude at the Academy of Art in Düsseldorf, Hertervig is paralyzed by anxieties about his talent and is overcome with love for Helene Winckelmann, his landlady's daughter. Marked by inspiring lyrical flights of passion and enraged sexual delusions, Hertervig's fixation on Helene persuades her family that he must leave. Oppressed by hallucinations and with nowhere to go, Hertervig shuttles between a cafe, where he endures the mockery of his more sophisticated classmates, and the Winckelmann's apartment, which he desperately tries to re-enter – a limbo state which leads him inexorably into a state of madness. Published here in one volume in English for the first time, Melancholy I-II is a major novel by 'the Beckett of the twenty-first century' (Le Monde).
Customer Reviews
Title: Melancholy I & II by Jon Fosse
Jon Fosse's "Melancholy I & II" offers a profound and deeply moving exploration into the human psyche, particularly delving into themes of mental illness, aging, and the burdens of familial ties. The first part of the book, "Melancholy I," introduces us to Lars Hertervig, a painter battling schizophrenia. Fosse masterfully immerses us into Lars's turbulent mind, depicting scenes that repeat and overlap as he navigates his time in Düsseldorf. This narrative style effectively captures the essence of his mental state, particularly resonating with readers who have experienced similar struggles. The portrayal of Lars's obsessions, especially with the young Helena, is both poignant and unsettling.
"Melancholy II" shifts the focus to Lars's sister, Oline, in their native Norway. This part is a stark portrayal of Oline's struggles with old age and dementia in Stavanger. Her daily pains, incontinence, and the difficult journey down to the jetty for fish are depicted with brutal honesty. Oline's reminiscences of Lars provide a deeper understanding of his character and their complicated relationship. Fosse's narrative is rich with Scandinavian elements, set against the backdrop of the fjords of Stavanger.
One memorable aspect of the book is the portrayal of the community, especially through characters like Svein, the fisherman. His kindness and the philosophy that people are put on earth to help each other add a layer of warmth to the otherwise melancholic narrative. The book's climax, involving Oline's final moments in her outhouse, is both heartbreaking and relieving, as she yearns for a reunion with Lars and an end to her struggles.
Fosse's writing is evocative and immersive, often blurring the lines between reality and delusion, past and present. The book is not just a story about individuals but a commentary on the human condition – the isolation, the pain, and the fleeting moments of connection and compassion. For readers who appreciate introspective and character-driven narratives, "Melancholy I & II" is a compelling read that leaves a lasting impact.