In the Days of the Councillor

by Tryggve Andersen, Beatrice H. Stroup (Translator), Stein Mathiesen (Translator)

One of the great works of modern Norwegian fiction, In the Days of the Councillor consists of a number of interrelated sequences that in combination afford a splendid picture of rural Norway in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century.

Throughout, the spotlight is on the official class, such as the judge and the sheriff, the pastor and the bailiff, who being Danish-educated and often of Danish background, kept their distance from the native Norwegian farmers. The culture, the very way of life of the officials was disintegrating and was soon to be a thing of the past, but it lives again in the pages of Andersen's book.

262 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1897

Reviews

[Genie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book more than I did. This is, evidently, one of the great works of Norwegian fiction. I think I’ve read others I enjoyed more. The different storylines within the same town and the same timeframe were interesting, but it causes me to choose a favorite chapter. Instead of reading the book as a whole story, I found myself reading each chapter as a separate story.

What I came away with most, was my appreciation for learning more about the history of the time and the unique relationship between Denmark and Norway. This feud, trickles down into the relationships of those who are ‘forced’ to live and serve in the same community. Some officials seem to be sent to this area to serve as magistrates, parsons, attorneys, etc.... even if they are not Norwegian. Must have been a fascinating time.

There are some characters about whom I wish we had more information.
If you are at all intrigued, read the book. It will go quickly and you will learn more about Norway, around 1800.

[Knut EB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sterkere som "lærebok" eller "historisk gløtt" fra overgangen til 1800-tallet enn som litteratur - men et spennende innblikk i en annen tid, godt beskrevet. Litt mye tragedie, men vipper den opp på 3.6.

[Henrik Nokhart]

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