Per Petterson
Per Petterson is a Norwegian novelist best known for his book 'Out Stealing Horses,' which won several prestigious awards. His works often explore themes of memory, loss, and the passage of time.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Out Stealing Horses
The novel is a poignant exploration of a man's relationship with his father and his own identity. Set in Norway, it follows the protagonist's decision to live in solitude after the death of his wife and sister. Through a series of flashbacks, he recalls his childhood, particularly the summer of 1948 when he lived with his father in the country. As he delves into his past, he uncovers his father's involvement in the resistance during World War II and the lasting impact it had on their relationship and his own life. The narrative intertwines the past and the present, reflecting on themes of loss, betrayal, and the complexity of human relationships.
The 3907th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
2. I Curse The River Of Time
Set against the backdrop of the fall of the Berlin Wall, this poignant narrative delves into the complexities of familial relationships and personal introspection. The story follows a man grappling with his mother's terminal illness, prompting a journey into his past and a reflection on his life choices. As he navigates the turbulent waters of regret and longing, he seeks reconciliation and understanding, both with his mother and within himself. The novel beautifully captures the essence of human vulnerability, the passage of time, and the enduring bonds that tie us to our loved ones.
The 17119th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
4. I Refuse
The novel explores the complex and strained relationship between two childhood friends, Tommy and Jim, who reunite after several decades apart. Set against the backdrop of Norway's stark landscapes, the narrative weaves between past and present, revealing the pivotal moments and personal struggles that shaped their lives. As they confront their shared history and individual choices, themes of friendship, loss, and the passage of time emerge, highlighting the profound impact of their bond and the paths they have taken. Through introspective and evocative storytelling, the book delves into the intricacies of human connection and the enduring influence of the past.
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5. Muži V Mé Situaci
Set against the backdrop of Oslo in the 1990s, this poignant narrative delves into the life of a man grappling with the aftermath of personal tragedy and the dissolution of his marriage. As he navigates the complexities of fatherhood and solitude, he embarks on a journey of introspection, confronting the ghosts of his past while seeking solace in the mundane routines of everyday life. Through a series of reflective vignettes, the story captures the raw essence of human vulnerability and the quiet resilience needed to rebuild one's life amidst the shadows of loss.
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6. Jeg Nekter
In this poignant narrative, two childhood friends, Tommy and Jim, find their paths diverging as they grow older, only to unexpectedly cross again in adulthood. Set against the backdrop of Norway's serene yet haunting landscapes, the story delves into themes of friendship, loss, and the passage of time. Through a series of reflective flashbacks and present-day encounters, the novel explores the complexities of human relationships, the impact of past decisions, and the enduring hope for reconciliation and understanding.
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7. Konje Krast
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8. Echoland
On a summer vacation in Denmark, a teenage boy tests the boundaries of independence as he drifts between family routines and the magnetic pull of first desires. Friction with his strict father and the hush of unspoken tensions shape his days, while the dunes and sea echo his restless search for self. In small, precise moments, he discovers how fragile and formative the distance between childhood and adulthood can be.
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9. Pferde Stehlen
An ageing man living in a remote part of rural Norway reflects on a single, formative summer of his adolescence spent with his father in the countryside; through memories of friendships, a risky episode that binds him to other boys, and an abrupt family rupture, the narrative moves between past and present to explore solitude, loss, memory’s unreliability, and the slow, uneasy work of coming to terms with what shaped a life.
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10. Im Kielwasser