Melancholy I-II — WINNER OF THE 2023 NOBEL PRIZE IN LITERATURE
(Author) Jon Fosse"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" -- Provided by publisher.
Jon Fosse
Jon Fosse is a Norwegian playwright, novelist, and poet known for his sparse and poetic writing style. His works often explore themes of isolation, loss, and the complexity of human relationships. Fosse's most notable works include the play "Nightsongs," the novel "Melancholy," and the play "A Summer's Day."
Fosse's writing style is characterized by its minimalist language and intense emotional depth, drawing comparisons to the works of Samuel Beckett and Ingmar Bergman. His contributions to literature have had a significant impact on contemporary Norwegian literature, earning him numerous awards and accolades.
One of Fosse's most famous works is the play "Someone is Going to Come," which delves into the intricacies of love, desire, and betrayal. Fosse's unique voice and profound exploration of the human condition have solidified his reputation as one of the most important voices in Scandinavian literature today.
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