The Seducer

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Just waiting for the rest of the trilogy to be translated - Rated
This is an astonishing book, funny, apt, moving and thoroughly enjoyable. It doesn't matter at all that the chapters are not sequential, adds to the whole, in fact, and each is memorable in its own way. It's also good on Bach and Duke Ellington and wonderfully satirical about Norway and Norwegians.

imaginative & unlike any other - best book in a long time! - Rated
I won't even try to describe this book - because I know I'd fail. But if you love reading and are fed up with quickly-churned out "bestsellers", then give this book a try. Imaginative down to the last detail, unconventionally told, a great read. I'm only sorry that the book had to end and that there are not other books by the author available in English translation.

very, very good....almost....... - Rated
An elusive book; but as one blurb describes it as postmodern, that's part of the territory. There are some terrific passages, some dull ones, but you never quite get to know Jonas - its as if he is always just out of reach. I'm sure this is the point - how well do you really know the people in your life?

So don't approach this looking for any linear narrative, and for any "happy ever afters", because you could argue that its not the job of the writer to do this anymore. Go and read Nicholas Nickleby if you want that. Poor Smike!

So good, but...episodic, lots of narrative games. Lots of incidents from Jonas's life - but the esteem in which he is held by repute doesn't seem to be merited by what we are told of his life in attaining that esteem. Postmodern, eh? Are we being told that celebrity isn't actually based on merit? If we are, is that a surprise, Saturday Night TV presenters?

Whatever, I kept turning the pages. Which IS what books are supposed to make you do. I'm pleased to have read it. Good........but.......