Henrik Ibsen

In this audaciously unassuming tome, Rolf Fjelde takes on the monumental task of dissecting the labyrinthine mind of Henrik Ibsen, the playwright whose works have been dissected, debated, and denounced since their inception. Printed in 1992 by Penguin Books, this volume is like a well-worn chair in a coffee shop: it has seen better days, but its charm lies precisely in its creaky joints and the memories of countless patrons who have perched upon it.

Imagine, if you will, a book that tries to unravel the very fabric of Ibsen’s genius while simultaneously wrestling with the absurdities of the human condition. Fjelde, with all the fervour of a drama student on the verge of a breakdown, takes us on a tour through the mind of a man who dared to challenge societal norms and, in doing so, probably made more enemies than friends. This book is a sort of backstage pass to the theatre of Ibsen’s thoughts, interpretations, and the emotional turmoil that likely plagued him like a particularly persistent mosquito.

Within these pages, you may find Fjelde’s interpretations of Ibsen’s works ranging from the deeply profound to the occasionally baffling. Does the author argue that Ibsen’s characters are reflections of his own psyche? Does he grapple with the existential dread that could likely be found lurking in a corner of the playwright’s study, waiting for the right moment to pounce? Spoiler alert: the answer is probably a resounding yes. To put it mildly, this book is a rollercoaster of literary analysis, where each twist and turn comes with the potential for dizzying insight or, alternatively, a sudden plunge into the murky depths of Ibsen’s existential angst.

As you thumb through the pages, you might notice that Fjelde doesn’t just write for the scholars; no, he also seems to have one eye on the casual reader who is likely just trying to understand why Ibsen’s heroes seem so terribly wretched. Expect footnotes that resemble a treasure map, leading you through a labyrinth of references, anecdotes, and the occasional detour into Fjelde’s own musings on life, coffee, and the occasional existential crisis. It’s a delightful mélange that might leave you questioning not just Ibsen, but your own life choices as you ponder whether you should really be reading about dead playwrights when there’s a Netflix series beckoning you from the other room.

But hold on tight; this isn’t just a straightforward biography. Fjelde’s writing dances between the realms of serious literary critique and whimsical commentary, making you wonder if you’ve stumbled upon a book written by Ibsen himself—had he been slightly more prone to sarcasm and a penchant for self-deprecation. Each chapter feels like a curious conversation with an eccentric professor who has just discovered a particularly riveting conspiracy theory about the life of Ibsen and can’t help but share all the details, regardless of whether you were interested in them in the first place.

Condition: Used, but still full of potential. The pages may be a little dog-eared, and there might be a smattering of marginalia by readers who were perhaps just as baffled or bemused by Ibsen as you might be. It’s the kind of book that whispers to you from the shelf, inviting you to join the ranks of those who have gazed into the abyss of human emotion and emerged with a few more quirks and questions than they had before. The cover, while perhaps not pristine, still holds a certain allure, like an old friend who has seen you through thick and thin, even if they occasionally forget your name.

In a world where we constantly seek clarity and straightforward narratives, Fjelde manages to embrace the ambiguity that Ibsen so expertly portrayed in his plays. This book may not provide all the answers, but it will certainly point you towards even more questions. So grab your reading glasses, pour yourself a cup of tea, and settle in for a literary ride that is as enlightening as it is perplexing. It’s a delightful find at Crappy Old Books, where every title has a story waiting to be rediscovered.

Keep browsing: See more Poetry books Other books by Rolf Fjelde