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De baanbreker
De jonge Oskar Johansson heeft een gevaarlijke baan als springmeester: hij blaast rotsen op voor spoorwegtunnels. Nadat hij een zwaar ongeluk ternauwernood heeft overleefd, weet hij toch nog een hoge leeftijd te bereiken. Via Oskars levensverhaal neemt Henning Mankell de lezer mee door het Zweden van de vroege twintigste eeuw: de opkomst van de arbeidersbeweging, de crisisjaren, de Tweede Wereldoorlog en daarna de opbouw van de verzorgingsstaat. Een prachtig gecomponeerde, poëtische debuutroman, waarin Mankell zijn vermogen om de lezer het verhaal in te trekken en mensen van vlees en bloed neer te zetten al duidelijk etaleert.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1973
128 people are currently reading
1539 people want to read
About the author
Henning Mankell
269 books3,800 followersHenning Mankell was an internationally known Swedish crime writer, children's author and playwright. He was best known for his literary character Kurt Wallander.
Mankell split his time between Sweden and Mozambique. He was married to Eva Bergman, Swedish director and daughter of Ingmar Bergman.
Mankell split his time between Sweden and Mozambique. He was married to Eva Bergman, Swedish director and daughter of Ingmar Bergman.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
February 28, 2025
3.5 stars
short review for busy readers:
Mankell's first novel originally written in 1973, but not translated until almost 50 years later. A short, thoughtful, highly artistic reckoning with the Swedish welfare state through focusing on the biography of one common worker. (English translation: The Rock Blaster)
in detail:
"Folkhemmet" was the name of the Swedish welfare state from the late 1920s to the early 1970s. It was intended to be a middle road between capitalism and socialism, opening Sweden to international trade while at the same time caring for its poor and working classes.
Oskar Johansson is one of those working class people. He's nothing special...but something very special happened to him.
At 18-years old, working as a blasting specialist for the railway, he miraculously survived a dynamite explosion at close range. By all accounts, an impossibility. He should have been killed on the spot, but he "only" lost a hand, most of his fingers, one of his eyes and had a burned, scared face.
And he was back working with dynamite as soon as he was well again.
An unnamed narrator, who only met Johansson after the death of Johansson's wife and his retirement, tells the old man's life story, jumping from events in the past to the present and back again.
This extremely non-linear narrative form can be confusing at times because it's done in exactly the same fragmented way the elderly often remember their lives. The story is told in such an unadorned, honest, loving manner, however, that you can't help but feel happy to have met Oskar Johansson and heard all about his very normal life in Folkhemmet.
He was nothing special, and that's what made him so special.
An unusual, but unique and uniquely important work of socialist realism fiction. Not going to be anybody's favourite Mankell, but I'm very glad I read/heard it.
short review for busy readers:
Mankell's first novel originally written in 1973, but not translated until almost 50 years later. A short, thoughtful, highly artistic reckoning with the Swedish welfare state through focusing on the biography of one common worker. (English translation: The Rock Blaster)
in detail:
"Folkhemmet" was the name of the Swedish welfare state from the late 1920s to the early 1970s. It was intended to be a middle road between capitalism and socialism, opening Sweden to international trade while at the same time caring for its poor and working classes.
Oskar Johansson is one of those working class people. He's nothing special...but something very special happened to him.
At 18-years old, working as a blasting specialist for the railway, he miraculously survived a dynamite explosion at close range. By all accounts, an impossibility. He should have been killed on the spot, but he "only" lost a hand, most of his fingers, one of his eyes and had a burned, scared face.
And he was back working with dynamite as soon as he was well again.
An unnamed narrator, who only met Johansson after the death of Johansson's wife and his retirement, tells the old man's life story, jumping from events in the past to the present and back again.
This extremely non-linear narrative form can be confusing at times because it's done in exactly the same fragmented way the elderly often remember their lives. The story is told in such an unadorned, honest, loving manner, however, that you can't help but feel happy to have met Oskar Johansson and heard all about his very normal life in Folkhemmet.
He was nothing special, and that's what made him so special.
An unusual, but unique and uniquely important work of socialist realism fiction. Not going to be anybody's favourite Mankell, but I'm very glad I read/heard it.
February 6, 2020
This book was written in a very confusing style which slowed down the pace. It was an interesting look at Swedish working class and the profession of rock mining. This leaves me conflicted on how to rate it, in the end it was given a 3 star..
September 6, 2020
Released in English in 2020, the 1973 first novel of Henning Mankell is an unvarnished and meticulous look at the life of a member of the poor working class in Sweden from 1911 until his death in 1969.
The story opens describing an event that leaves 23 year-old Oskar Johansson, a member of a blasting team, forever changed. Told primarily through the voice of The Narrator, Oskar’s story is a dour portrait. Sequentially voiced, the voices alternate between different periods of time and recollections of memory.
THE ROCK BLASTER is subdued and has a slow pace. I found the sequential presentation off-putting and hard to follow via the audiobook (narrated by Jonathan Crowley). In selecting this title to read, I went in knowing that this would not be like the Kurt Wallander series by Mankell; however, I thought it would be interesting to read something different from an author I really enjoy.
My rating is 3 ⭐️ because I do think Mankell achieved what he had hoped with his offering; I just don’t think it was for me, nor will it be for everyone. It was definitely different.
The story opens describing an event that leaves 23 year-old Oskar Johansson, a member of a blasting team, forever changed. Told primarily through the voice of The Narrator, Oskar’s story is a dour portrait. Sequentially voiced, the voices alternate between different periods of time and recollections of memory.
THE ROCK BLASTER is subdued and has a slow pace. I found the sequential presentation off-putting and hard to follow via the audiobook (narrated by Jonathan Crowley). In selecting this title to read, I went in knowing that this would not be like the Kurt Wallander series by Mankell; however, I thought it would be interesting to read something different from an author I really enjoy.
My rating is 3 ⭐️ because I do think Mankell achieved what he had hoped with his offering; I just don’t think it was for me, nor will it be for everyone. It was definitely different.
November 3, 2020
This story.
Tiny beads of narrative that string together to form a rosary.
In June 1911, 23 year-old Swedish rock blaster Oskar Johansson is blown to kingdom come in a dynamite accident that claims much of his right arm, three fingers of his left hand, and an eye. He's reported dead in the newspaper, but, in fact, he returns to rock blasting, marries and has three children, and lives to the ripe old age of 80.
This is Mankell's first novel, published in Sweden in 1973, long before he achieved international fame with the Wallander detective novels. It is both an excavation of a man's life through his sparse reminiscences, by an unnamed narrator who befriends Oskar late in his life, during summers when he lives in a fishing cabin on an otherwise uninhabited island, and a commentary on the promise and failure of the Social Democratic Party in Sweden.
A spare gem of a book.
Tiny beads of narrative that string together to form a rosary.
In June 1911, 23 year-old Swedish rock blaster Oskar Johansson is blown to kingdom come in a dynamite accident that claims much of his right arm, three fingers of his left hand, and an eye. He's reported dead in the newspaper, but, in fact, he returns to rock blasting, marries and has three children, and lives to the ripe old age of 80.
This is Mankell's first novel, published in Sweden in 1973, long before he achieved international fame with the Wallander detective novels. It is both an excavation of a man's life through his sparse reminiscences, by an unnamed narrator who befriends Oskar late in his life, during summers when he lives in a fishing cabin on an otherwise uninhabited island, and a commentary on the promise and failure of the Social Democratic Party in Sweden.
A spare gem of a book.
March 7, 2020
First published in 1973 in Swedish, The Rock Blaster was not translated into English until 2020, after the late Henning Mankell had established iconic status as a writer of masterful thrillers. However, those of us who have followed Mankell beyond that series have long been aware of his leftist leanings, his love for Africa most notably Mozambique, and his charitable activities. So this slim novel featuring a Swedish everyman comes as no surprise.
February 25, 2025
A haunting tale of living, aging and dying set amid social revolution in Sweden. A very moving story.
Written in 1973, this was Mr Mankell’s debut novel, although it was not translated to English until 2020. It is as relevant today as it was then. The pyramid analogy is a perfect example of our current government. The bag of gold sits at the top closely followed by the wealthy. Down at the bottom is the common man supporting the weight of the world.
The format is very unusual, I don’t think this book will appeal to Kurt Wallander fans, but I loved its eye opening theme. I feel that the author is very closely aligned with Oskar - his alter ego?
Written in 1973, this was Mr Mankell’s debut novel, although it was not translated to English until 2020. It is as relevant today as it was then. The pyramid analogy is a perfect example of our current government. The bag of gold sits at the top closely followed by the wealthy. Down at the bottom is the common man supporting the weight of the world.
The format is very unusual, I don’t think this book will appeal to Kurt Wallander fans, but I loved its eye opening theme. I feel that the author is very closely aligned with Oskar - his alter ego?
September 7, 2020
This was very good but also made me very sad. A lot about the destructive effects of capitalism on life but also just about an individual’s perception of existence. The main character was exceptionally well developed I thought. Very Swedish writing. Recommend
December 31, 2021
Mankell’s first novel is about the life of Oskar a rock blaster who survives a dynamite blast minus an eye and hand. It is told in flashback from when he is elderly to his youth, adulthood and how his life has been lived. Set between 1910-1969.
It gives a snapshot of Sweden and the poverty and class system. The introduction of socialism with anticipation by Oskar that life would change. The poster is symbolic of capitalism with the workers on the bottom tier of the pyramid.
Things do change but whether for the better is questionable. Oskar in his later years spends summer on a island each year in a routine. His family are around him but once his wife dies his life is one of loneliness. A 3.5 for me and a fascinating read. Not what I expected.
It gives a snapshot of Sweden and the poverty and class system. The introduction of socialism with anticipation by Oskar that life would change. The poster is symbolic of capitalism with the workers on the bottom tier of the pyramid.
Things do change but whether for the better is questionable. Oskar in his later years spends summer on a island each year in a routine. His family are around him but once his wife dies his life is one of loneliness. A 3.5 for me and a fascinating read. Not what I expected.
February 4, 2018
De baanbreker van Henning Mankell is zijn debuutroman dat nu, ruim 2 jaar na zijn overlijden, alsnog in het Nederlands is vertaald.
De geweldige, verhalende schrijfstijl van Mankell is al duidelijk aanwezig in dit boek. Geen spannend, meeslepend en groots geschreven boek, maar een heerlijk, rustig en ‘klein’ verhaal waarin Mankell als geen ander het leven van de springmeester Johansson weet te portretteren. Ondertussen komen de veranderende tijden ook aan bod, de crisis, de opkomst van het socialisme, het verschil tussen arbeiders en werkgevers, de tweede wereldoorlog.
Henning weet je mee te nemen in zijn gedachten, waardoor je samen met Oskar Johansson in zijn sauna zit, meekijkt door zijn oog en meemaakt wat hij heeft beleeft en zijn verhalen aanhoort alsof je naast hem zat en meeluisterde.
Ik merkte wel dat het zijn debuutroman was, in de boeken die volgden vond ik persoonlijk zijn stijl nog veel beter naar voren komen. Maar al met al een absolute aanrader voor de fans van deze geweldige schrijver!
De geweldige, verhalende schrijfstijl van Mankell is al duidelijk aanwezig in dit boek. Geen spannend, meeslepend en groots geschreven boek, maar een heerlijk, rustig en ‘klein’ verhaal waarin Mankell als geen ander het leven van de springmeester Johansson weet te portretteren. Ondertussen komen de veranderende tijden ook aan bod, de crisis, de opkomst van het socialisme, het verschil tussen arbeiders en werkgevers, de tweede wereldoorlog.
Henning weet je mee te nemen in zijn gedachten, waardoor je samen met Oskar Johansson in zijn sauna zit, meekijkt door zijn oog en meemaakt wat hij heeft beleeft en zijn verhalen aanhoort alsof je naast hem zat en meeluisterde.
Ik merkte wel dat het zijn debuutroman was, in de boeken die volgden vond ik persoonlijk zijn stijl nog veel beter naar voren komen. Maar al met al een absolute aanrader voor de fans van deze geweldige schrijver!
September 28, 2020
Henning Mankell ist einfach ein Meister der Worte. Ein schönes kleines Buch über ein bewegtes Leben.
Oskar war sein Leben lang Sprengmeister. Auch ein schwerer Unfall hält ihn davon nicht ab. Oskar lebt, arbeitet, liebt seine Familie, engagiert sich politisch und doch ist er immer ein bisschen allein in seiner eigenen Welt.
Mir hat der Charakter und vor allem der Stil sehr gefallen. Ich bin immer wieder überrascht, das Henning Mankell so viel mehr ist,als "nur" ein Krimi-Autor. Schon seine Krimis finde ich immer spannend, aber bei solchen Geschichten brilliert er einfach.
Oskar war sein Leben lang Sprengmeister. Auch ein schwerer Unfall hält ihn davon nicht ab. Oskar lebt, arbeitet, liebt seine Familie, engagiert sich politisch und doch ist er immer ein bisschen allein in seiner eigenen Welt.
Mir hat der Charakter und vor allem der Stil sehr gefallen. Ich bin immer wieder überrascht, das Henning Mankell so viel mehr ist,als "nur" ein Krimi-Autor. Schon seine Krimis finde ich immer spannend, aber bei solchen Geschichten brilliert er einfach.
July 14, 2018
Für den schwedischen Eisenbahnbau sollten 1911 drei Tunnel freigesprengt werden. Als eine der Sprengladungen nicht explodiert, ist derjenige aus der Sprengmeistergruppe für die Entfernung verantwortlich, der sie angebracht hat. Die Ladung explodiert direkt vor Oskar Johansson, verletzt ihn schwer, unvorstellbar schwer. Die Zeitung schreibt, er wäre bei dem Unglück getötet worden; Oskar kämpft monatelang im Krankenhaus um sein Leben und gegen die Schmerzen. Seine schwangere Verlobte verlässt ihn, nachdem sie ihn angesehen hat.
In der Gegenwart verbringt Oskar seine Sommer auf einer winzigen, namenlosen Schäreninsel; legt Netze aus für Barsche und Flundern. An manchen Tagen kommt Oskars ebenso wortkarger Bruder zu Besuch auf die Insel oder er tratscht ein wenig mit dem Briefträger. Der Briefträger, der mit dem Boot kommt und für viele alte Schärenbewohner der einzige Kontakt ist, wird sehr viel später wieder in Mankells Romanen auftauchen. Auf der Insel besucht den alten Mann ein jüngerer Icherzähler, der geduldig wartet, was Oskar aus seinem Leben berichtet. Die Explosion damals verdichtet Oskar auf drei Sätze. Doch ein Satz von Oskar kann eine ganze Geschichte erzählen. Nicht auf jede Frage will er antworten, an manches erinnert er sich nicht genau; der Zuhörer hat sich auf Oskars eigenes Tempo einzustellen.
Oskar war als Kind durchschnittlich, wollte nie etwas anderes sein. Obwohl Oskar eine wichtige, angesehene Arbeit leistete, hat er sich als Arbeiter stets vom Bürgertum verachtet gefühlt. Eine Schlüsselszene macht die Herablassung der Herren gegenüber ihren Arbeitern und Dienstmädchen deutlich. Die Arbeiterfrage hatte Oskar schon als Jugendlichen interessiert und er wird sich sein Leben lang fragen, warum Veränderungen so schwer in Gang zu setzen sind. Aber wenn ein Mann nach dem Tod seiner Frau deren Blumen regelmäßig weiter gießt, stellt sich die Frage, ob er wirklich wie alle anderen ist – und nicht doch etwas Besonderes.
Als „Der Sprengmeister“ 1973 erscheint, ist sein Autor erst 25 Jahre alt und sich sehr bewusst, dass dieser Roman seine Visitenkarte für den Literaturmarkt sein wird. Dass Mankell in diesem Alter bereits einen Rückblick auf das ganze Leben einer Romanfigur verfasst und wie er es tut – das finde ich unbedingt lesenswert. Leser von Robert Seethaler sollten hier zugreifen.
In der Gegenwart verbringt Oskar seine Sommer auf einer winzigen, namenlosen Schäreninsel; legt Netze aus für Barsche und Flundern. An manchen Tagen kommt Oskars ebenso wortkarger Bruder zu Besuch auf die Insel oder er tratscht ein wenig mit dem Briefträger. Der Briefträger, der mit dem Boot kommt und für viele alte Schärenbewohner der einzige Kontakt ist, wird sehr viel später wieder in Mankells Romanen auftauchen. Auf der Insel besucht den alten Mann ein jüngerer Icherzähler, der geduldig wartet, was Oskar aus seinem Leben berichtet. Die Explosion damals verdichtet Oskar auf drei Sätze. Doch ein Satz von Oskar kann eine ganze Geschichte erzählen. Nicht auf jede Frage will er antworten, an manches erinnert er sich nicht genau; der Zuhörer hat sich auf Oskars eigenes Tempo einzustellen.
Oskar war als Kind durchschnittlich, wollte nie etwas anderes sein. Obwohl Oskar eine wichtige, angesehene Arbeit leistete, hat er sich als Arbeiter stets vom Bürgertum verachtet gefühlt. Eine Schlüsselszene macht die Herablassung der Herren gegenüber ihren Arbeitern und Dienstmädchen deutlich. Die Arbeiterfrage hatte Oskar schon als Jugendlichen interessiert und er wird sich sein Leben lang fragen, warum Veränderungen so schwer in Gang zu setzen sind. Aber wenn ein Mann nach dem Tod seiner Frau deren Blumen regelmäßig weiter gießt, stellt sich die Frage, ob er wirklich wie alle anderen ist – und nicht doch etwas Besonderes.
Als „Der Sprengmeister“ 1973 erscheint, ist sein Autor erst 25 Jahre alt und sich sehr bewusst, dass dieser Roman seine Visitenkarte für den Literaturmarkt sein wird. Dass Mankell in diesem Alter bereits einen Rückblick auf das ganze Leben einer Romanfigur verfasst und wie er es tut – das finde ich unbedingt lesenswert. Leser von Robert Seethaler sollten hier zugreifen.
October 20, 2019
4 stars
This is Henning Mankell's first novel published only now in English. It is a distinct departure from his Wallander series. I loved the Wallander novels for the most part and was interested in reading this book about a different topic.
This is the story of Oskar Johansson from his point of view as told to a friend and fishing companion later in Oskar's life. The book alternates between 1911 and later in Oskar's life – about the 1960's.
As with many of us, Oskar's memories have a way of shifting about; one time he recalls it this way and another he remembers it another way.
Oskar's story is one of a poor working class man who endures and perseveres following a dynamite blast that nearly kills him early in the 1900's.
The book is a treatise on what it means to be poor in the early 20th Century. Oskar dabbled with socialism seeing the obvious need for change in the average Swedish worker's conditions. He discusses his first love, Ellie and his subsequent marriage to her sister. Oskar talks about his hopes and dreams and how things turned out to depart from those hopes and dreams.
The book is written in an unusual style. It is not linear. It skips around and is, at times, a little confusing to follow. But is is a remarkable expose on the daily struggle and living conditions for the average working class Swedish citizen. Previously, I did not know much about this period in Swedish life, nor given it much thought. I'm glad I took the time to read this novel – and by one of my favorite authors.
I want to thank NetGalley and Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group/Vintage for forwarding to me a copy of this most interesting book for me to read, enjoy and review.
This is Henning Mankell's first novel published only now in English. It is a distinct departure from his Wallander series. I loved the Wallander novels for the most part and was interested in reading this book about a different topic.
This is the story of Oskar Johansson from his point of view as told to a friend and fishing companion later in Oskar's life. The book alternates between 1911 and later in Oskar's life – about the 1960's.
As with many of us, Oskar's memories have a way of shifting about; one time he recalls it this way and another he remembers it another way.
Oskar's story is one of a poor working class man who endures and perseveres following a dynamite blast that nearly kills him early in the 1900's.
The book is a treatise on what it means to be poor in the early 20th Century. Oskar dabbled with socialism seeing the obvious need for change in the average Swedish worker's conditions. He discusses his first love, Ellie and his subsequent marriage to her sister. Oskar talks about his hopes and dreams and how things turned out to depart from those hopes and dreams.
The book is written in an unusual style. It is not linear. It skips around and is, at times, a little confusing to follow. But is is a remarkable expose on the daily struggle and living conditions for the average working class Swedish citizen. Previously, I did not know much about this period in Swedish life, nor given it much thought. I'm glad I took the time to read this novel – and by one of my favorite authors.
I want to thank NetGalley and Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group/Vintage for forwarding to me a copy of this most interesting book for me to read, enjoy and review.
April 12, 2020
This was Henning Mankell's first novel, written when he was 25. It tells the life story of a miner and rock blaster (The Rock Blaster is the English translation of the title) who was reported killed in a mining accident in 1911. He never succeeded in getting the newspaper report retracted, but lived his life with his injuries to the age of 81. Throughout his literary career, Mankell never neglected the humanity of his characters.
January 22, 2021
Es un libro interesante.
Básicamente es un buen retrato social de un país que uno no conoce nada. No hay una historia, es más bien reflexivo y de momentos. Y en esas reflexiones hay hartas verdades y pensamientos que aportan.
Básicamente es un buen retrato social de un país que uno no conoce nada. No hay una historia, es más bien reflexivo y de momentos. Y en esas reflexiones hay hartas verdades y pensamientos que aportan.
September 22, 2021
Not as I expected
I was expecting a novel like his other books I have read. I almost decided not to read it. I'm glad I finished it. If you're expecting something a happy book, don't bother. I will think about this one for a long while.
I was expecting a novel like his other books I have read. I almost decided not to read it. I'm glad I finished it. If you're expecting something a happy book, don't bother. I will think about this one for a long while.
April 17, 2025
Primera novela del autor.
Narración a varias voces que da una visión social y política altamente comprometida y que podemos incluir en las novelas working class. Aunque tiene demasiadas connotaciones para dejarlo solo en eso, la crítica social, económica y política se entremezcla con la situación personal que le sirve de metáfora al autor.
Es una novela triste en la que conoceremos las vicisitudes de la vida de Oskar Johannson, dinamitero que sobrevive a una explosión.
Y más que hablaros del libro, os dejaré frases de la novela que resumen a la perfección la lectura y son más claras que todo lo que pueda decir.
✒️"Un hombre que salió volando por los aires pero que se las apañó para sobrevivir de alguna forma."
✒️"Su modo de describirse a sí mismo como presente pero casi nunca participante constituye siempre el hilo conductor. Los fragmentos, las medias palabras, las frases a medias, los episodios breves e inconexos que rescata de la memoria son su modo de ratificar lo que quiere decir. La imagen que da de sí mismo es la de quien está presente. Pero a lo largo de todos los años que pasamos viéndonos, él es el que participa. Oskar trata de crear una imagen falsa de sí mismo, y en el ámbito de esa motivación es donde debe situarse y ampliarse el relato."
✒️" Los días se suceden unos tras otros. Los nacionalsocialistas y los comunistas se dan el relevo en las calles. Los socialdemócratas refuerzan poco a poco el poder gubernamental que han adquirido recientemente."
✒️" La decadencia más vergonzosa de los socialdemócratas es que han convertido el socialismo en una especie de organización para funcionarios inútiles que se llenan los bolsillos a costa de los trabajadores. Para acceder a esta sociedad hay una entrada, y luego una salida, pero lo que hay en medio…, eso no se sabe."
✒️" El pueblo solo ha tenido la posibilidad de hablar bajito a lo largo de los siglos, pero ha sido el pueblo el que ha luchado y el que ha perdido. Deberían escribir más sobre lo que el pueblo solo ha tenido la posibilidad de hablar bajito."
✒️" Yo creo que solo se pueden cambiar las cosas haciendo la revolución. Y la habrá. Tarde o temprano. Pero habría sido estupendo participar."
✒️" Pero bueno, yo no he perdido la esperanza. Yo creo que tú tendrás ocasión de ver cómo toda esta sociedad se esfuma como en una sola explosión. Cuando llegue el momento, saluda de mi parte."
✒️" Oskar es una persona que ha elegido miles de veces en la vida. Nunca ha estado confundido. Ha sabido evitar el caos. Ha elegido. Si ha elegido bien o no es otra cosa."
🗣️Oskar sobrevive y vuelve a ser dinamitero y forma una familia a pesar de su discapacidad y de su aspecto. Y a partir de ahí, de esa explosión que cambia su vida, un accidente del que no recuerda nada, empieza a reflexionar en profundidad sobre el aspecto político, social y económico del país. En 1911 se publicó una pirámide de análisis del capitalismo que analiza cada día.
La cuestión es que en el fondo todo lo que ha escrito el autor en 1973, fecha de publicacion del libro, se puede extrapolar a la actualidad.
Una crítica dura hacia los pocos derechos de los trabajadores, el triunfo del capitalismo y la poca capacidad de la clase obrera para conseguir que triunfe el socialismo sobre el capital.
Narración a varias voces que da una visión social y política altamente comprometida y que podemos incluir en las novelas working class. Aunque tiene demasiadas connotaciones para dejarlo solo en eso, la crítica social, económica y política se entremezcla con la situación personal que le sirve de metáfora al autor.
Es una novela triste en la que conoceremos las vicisitudes de la vida de Oskar Johannson, dinamitero que sobrevive a una explosión.
Y más que hablaros del libro, os dejaré frases de la novela que resumen a la perfección la lectura y son más claras que todo lo que pueda decir.
✒️"Un hombre que salió volando por los aires pero que se las apañó para sobrevivir de alguna forma."
✒️"Su modo de describirse a sí mismo como presente pero casi nunca participante constituye siempre el hilo conductor. Los fragmentos, las medias palabras, las frases a medias, los episodios breves e inconexos que rescata de la memoria son su modo de ratificar lo que quiere decir. La imagen que da de sí mismo es la de quien está presente. Pero a lo largo de todos los años que pasamos viéndonos, él es el que participa. Oskar trata de crear una imagen falsa de sí mismo, y en el ámbito de esa motivación es donde debe situarse y ampliarse el relato."
✒️" Los días se suceden unos tras otros. Los nacionalsocialistas y los comunistas se dan el relevo en las calles. Los socialdemócratas refuerzan poco a poco el poder gubernamental que han adquirido recientemente."
✒️" La decadencia más vergonzosa de los socialdemócratas es que han convertido el socialismo en una especie de organización para funcionarios inútiles que se llenan los bolsillos a costa de los trabajadores. Para acceder a esta sociedad hay una entrada, y luego una salida, pero lo que hay en medio…, eso no se sabe."
✒️" El pueblo solo ha tenido la posibilidad de hablar bajito a lo largo de los siglos, pero ha sido el pueblo el que ha luchado y el que ha perdido. Deberían escribir más sobre lo que el pueblo solo ha tenido la posibilidad de hablar bajito."
✒️" Yo creo que solo se pueden cambiar las cosas haciendo la revolución. Y la habrá. Tarde o temprano. Pero habría sido estupendo participar."
✒️" Pero bueno, yo no he perdido la esperanza. Yo creo que tú tendrás ocasión de ver cómo toda esta sociedad se esfuma como en una sola explosión. Cuando llegue el momento, saluda de mi parte."
✒️" Oskar es una persona que ha elegido miles de veces en la vida. Nunca ha estado confundido. Ha sabido evitar el caos. Ha elegido. Si ha elegido bien o no es otra cosa."
🗣️Oskar sobrevive y vuelve a ser dinamitero y forma una familia a pesar de su discapacidad y de su aspecto. Y a partir de ahí, de esa explosión que cambia su vida, un accidente del que no recuerda nada, empieza a reflexionar en profundidad sobre el aspecto político, social y económico del país. En 1911 se publicó una pirámide de análisis del capitalismo que analiza cada día.
La cuestión es que en el fondo todo lo que ha escrito el autor en 1973, fecha de publicacion del libro, se puede extrapolar a la actualidad.
Una crítica dura hacia los pocos derechos de los trabajadores, el triunfo del capitalismo y la poca capacidad de la clase obrera para conseguir que triunfe el socialismo sobre el capital.
January 28, 2023
È incredibile come un racconto fatto essenzialmente di brevi flash, con frasi brevi e secche, riesca a restituire un'immagine così vivida del personaggio
Ottimo Mankell.
Ottimo Mankell.
October 1, 2023
une lecture très touchante 🥺
May 2, 2020
I don’t seem to remember where I found this book such that I requested it from the library, except that I do try to read books by non-American authors sometimes. It’s also labeled “new” according to the library, as the English translation just came out this year, but the book itself was written in the early 1970s and the foreword in 1997, so the book is truly older than I am.
Oskar Johansson is a young man working as a rock blaster in 1911, and in a freak accident, he is nearly blown to bits. Suffering from extensive injuries, including the loss of his right hand and of his left eye, he manages to survive and even return to his rock blasting duties. He also marries and fathers three children. He lives a long life, celebrating his 80th birthday, and relates the events of his life to a friend who visits him at his summer home on an isolated island.
The book is not written in a linear fashion; it’s a series of vignettes, and in their retelling sometimes Oskar changes some of the details. He describes some of the hardships that working-class Swedes endured in the early 20th century, especially as regarding the cramped living quarters for the poor. I also noticed a bit of a comparison with the TV show “Call the Midwife,” when they demolished the tenements of Poplar and put up apartment towers to house the displaced tenants. There was the same sort of loss of community after the towers went up; you didn’t necessarily live cheek by jowl with all of your extended family within a block anymore. Oskar really hated living outside of town in his new apartment and moved back within the town limits as soon as his son found him a new place.
This is an interesting look at what life was like in the 20th century for poor Swedes, but I found it a little difficult to become invested in the story since a lot of the details were difficult for me to understand as an American living a hundred years after some of the events in this book. It is a quick read, however, and I did enjoy the writing, the non-linear chronology, and the vivid vignettes.
Oskar Johansson is a young man working as a rock blaster in 1911, and in a freak accident, he is nearly blown to bits. Suffering from extensive injuries, including the loss of his right hand and of his left eye, he manages to survive and even return to his rock blasting duties. He also marries and fathers three children. He lives a long life, celebrating his 80th birthday, and relates the events of his life to a friend who visits him at his summer home on an isolated island.
The book is not written in a linear fashion; it’s a series of vignettes, and in their retelling sometimes Oskar changes some of the details. He describes some of the hardships that working-class Swedes endured in the early 20th century, especially as regarding the cramped living quarters for the poor. I also noticed a bit of a comparison with the TV show “Call the Midwife,” when they demolished the tenements of Poplar and put up apartment towers to house the displaced tenants. There was the same sort of loss of community after the towers went up; you didn’t necessarily live cheek by jowl with all of your extended family within a block anymore. Oskar really hated living outside of town in his new apartment and moved back within the town limits as soon as his son found him a new place.
This is an interesting look at what life was like in the 20th century for poor Swedes, but I found it a little difficult to become invested in the story since a lot of the details were difficult for me to understand as an American living a hundred years after some of the events in this book. It is a quick read, however, and I did enjoy the writing, the non-linear chronology, and the vivid vignettes.
March 5, 2018
Henning Mankell, de schrijver van deWallander-misdaadromans en de Afrikaanse en recent-historische romans, overleed in 2015. Er kwam een stilte, maar gelukkig wordt die nu doorbroken met de vertaling van zijn romandebuut uit 1973: 'De baanbreker'.
'De baanbreker' opent met de dag dat Oskar Johansson ontploft. Na een mislukte ontploffing in een te boren spoorwegtunnel door een rotswand, moet springmeester Oskar op onderzoek uit. En dan ontploft de rotswand alsnog en Oskar blijft leven. Zwaar verminkt: Oskar verloor zijn blonde haar en linkeroog, zijn rechterhand en een deel van zijn linker, maar hij leeft, en gaat zo gauw hij hersteld is terug aan het werk als springmeester. Het is zijn leven, over 2 eeuwen: 1888–1969, dat we gaan volgen. En aan de hand van dat leven zien wij de ontwikkeling van de Zweedse samenleving aan het begin van de 20ste eeuw; de crisis- en oorlogsjaren, de arbeiders en het socialisme, en de opbouw van de verzorgingsstaat. “Het beeld van Oskar dat nooit volledig wordt is onlosmakelijk verbonden met de samenleving waarin Oskar heeft geleefd.”
Henning Mankell blijkt nog een beginnend schrijver in de jaren 70, maar wel een die talent toont. 'De baanbreker' haalt het niet bij zijn latere werk, maar misschien ligt dat ook wel aan de manier van vertellen. Want Mankell vertelt fragmentarisch en gaat heen-en-weer in de tijd, wat het verhaal an sich wat trager maakt omdat we ons steeds moeten oriënteren. Daarnaast zijn het vaak korte hoofdstukken, die nog gescheiden worden door een titel- en witbladzijden, wat het boek wat dikker maar ook nog wat trager leesbaar maakt. De fragmenten zijn wel verklaarbaar, we horen in De baanbreker namelijk een verteller die zelf eens alle verhalen en anekdotes van Oskar Johansson gehoord heeft, zomerdagen lang zaten zij samen en verhaalde Oskar over episoden uit zijn leven. En de verteller die daar bij was, vertelt ze nu aan ons, alsof we er al die zomerdagen ook waren bij geweest. Vaak in de derde persoon, maar soms horen we Oskar zelf even vertellen, en soms zijn we erbij als Oskar en de verteller praten. Door zo dicht bij Oskar te blijven, en zelfs op één bladzijde van perspectief te wisselen, blijft het heerlijk authentiek.
“Het verhaal is oppervlakkig. Het heeft Oskars spaarzaamheid met woorden. Heeft kieren en leemtes. Maar het oppervlak heeft poriën. Richt zich geleidelijk aan naar binnen en opent zich. Onder het oppervlak ligt de geschiedenis. De geschiedenis van de veranderingen.”
Ergens in het boek zegt Oskar via de verteller over zichzelf:
“‘Ik ging natuurlijk door als springmeester zodra ik hersteld was.’
‘Je was en bleef arbeider.’”
En dat vat het wel samen. Oskar is een arbeider in werk en in gedachten. Een socialist aan het begin van de 20ste eeuw. Want die hebben de toekomst: de socialisten zijn de hoop, want “het meest beschamende van de sociaaldemocraten is dat ze het socialisme hebben omgevormd tot een soort organisatie voor onnodige ambtenaren die hun zakken vullen op kosten van de arbeider.” Er sijpelt socialisme en de geur van revolutie door de roman, maar het blijft het verhaal van een man. Alhoewel: het verhaal van een gewone, bijzondere man.
Deze bespreking verscheen ook in het online Lees Magazine van bol.com. Een exemplaar van het boek werd beschikbaar gesteld door bol.com en uitgeverij De Geus.
'De baanbreker' opent met de dag dat Oskar Johansson ontploft. Na een mislukte ontploffing in een te boren spoorwegtunnel door een rotswand, moet springmeester Oskar op onderzoek uit. En dan ontploft de rotswand alsnog en Oskar blijft leven. Zwaar verminkt: Oskar verloor zijn blonde haar en linkeroog, zijn rechterhand en een deel van zijn linker, maar hij leeft, en gaat zo gauw hij hersteld is terug aan het werk als springmeester. Het is zijn leven, over 2 eeuwen: 1888–1969, dat we gaan volgen. En aan de hand van dat leven zien wij de ontwikkeling van de Zweedse samenleving aan het begin van de 20ste eeuw; de crisis- en oorlogsjaren, de arbeiders en het socialisme, en de opbouw van de verzorgingsstaat. “Het beeld van Oskar dat nooit volledig wordt is onlosmakelijk verbonden met de samenleving waarin Oskar heeft geleefd.”
Henning Mankell blijkt nog een beginnend schrijver in de jaren 70, maar wel een die talent toont. 'De baanbreker' haalt het niet bij zijn latere werk, maar misschien ligt dat ook wel aan de manier van vertellen. Want Mankell vertelt fragmentarisch en gaat heen-en-weer in de tijd, wat het verhaal an sich wat trager maakt omdat we ons steeds moeten oriënteren. Daarnaast zijn het vaak korte hoofdstukken, die nog gescheiden worden door een titel- en witbladzijden, wat het boek wat dikker maar ook nog wat trager leesbaar maakt. De fragmenten zijn wel verklaarbaar, we horen in De baanbreker namelijk een verteller die zelf eens alle verhalen en anekdotes van Oskar Johansson gehoord heeft, zomerdagen lang zaten zij samen en verhaalde Oskar over episoden uit zijn leven. En de verteller die daar bij was, vertelt ze nu aan ons, alsof we er al die zomerdagen ook waren bij geweest. Vaak in de derde persoon, maar soms horen we Oskar zelf even vertellen, en soms zijn we erbij als Oskar en de verteller praten. Door zo dicht bij Oskar te blijven, en zelfs op één bladzijde van perspectief te wisselen, blijft het heerlijk authentiek.
“Het verhaal is oppervlakkig. Het heeft Oskars spaarzaamheid met woorden. Heeft kieren en leemtes. Maar het oppervlak heeft poriën. Richt zich geleidelijk aan naar binnen en opent zich. Onder het oppervlak ligt de geschiedenis. De geschiedenis van de veranderingen.”
Ergens in het boek zegt Oskar via de verteller over zichzelf:
“‘Ik ging natuurlijk door als springmeester zodra ik hersteld was.’
‘Je was en bleef arbeider.’”
En dat vat het wel samen. Oskar is een arbeider in werk en in gedachten. Een socialist aan het begin van de 20ste eeuw. Want die hebben de toekomst: de socialisten zijn de hoop, want “het meest beschamende van de sociaaldemocraten is dat ze het socialisme hebben omgevormd tot een soort organisatie voor onnodige ambtenaren die hun zakken vullen op kosten van de arbeider.” Er sijpelt socialisme en de geur van revolutie door de roman, maar het blijft het verhaal van een man. Alhoewel: het verhaal van een gewone, bijzondere man.
Deze bespreking verscheen ook in het online Lees Magazine van bol.com. Een exemplaar van het boek werd beschikbaar gesteld door bol.com en uitgeverij De Geus.
August 25, 2020
Although this is the first book by Mankell that was published, it was the last one to be translated into english. It is not only the story of Oskar's life, it is also the story Swedish society and the struggle between capitalism and socialism. While I was reading this I was thinking that this book wasn't as good as the other books by Mankell but by the time I finished it I had changed my mind. The Rock Blaster, Oskar, was severely injured when the blasters were working on a Tunnel and Oskar was checking out why a blast did not happen when the dynamite exploded. Everyone thought Oskar was dead but he survived losing all of one hand, three fingers and one eye. The story is not told in sequence but jumps around from different times in Oskar's life. It also gets into the politics of the time. At one point the Vietnam war is referred to as America's war of aggression. I read some other reviews that did not like the non-linear fashion in which the story is told. I disagree and believe that the way it is told gives a better picture of Oskar and of the times than if it were told in a linear fashion. What is it like to be growing old after having lost your wife? The description of how he lived out his last years was moving. I find it interesting that Mankell's first book and his last book, After The Fire, feature an eccentric old man living at least part of the year on an island in an archipelago off the coast of the Swedish mainland. It is hard to believe that Mankell was only 25 years old when he wrote this.
March 28, 2021
Henning Mankell's Debütroman reißt mich nicht vom Hocker. Einfach zu lesen, nicht sonderlich faszinierend. Es geht hin und her und rundherum. Im allgemeinen fand ich es etwas schwer dem Ganzen zu Folgen. Vielleicht bin ich aber auch einfach nicht die richtige Zielgruppe.
Eins jedoch gab mir zu denken (deshalb auch 2 und nicht nur 1 Stern)
"dass wir durch diese Ereignisse jetzt eigentlich nur klar sehen, wie es ist. Aber es hat sich nichts verändert."
Diese Passage, in der er und Elvira sich über das Propaganda Poster unterhalten zeigt, dass die gleichen Kämpfe immernoch gekämpft werden. Die Probleme der sozialen Unterklassen bleiben die selben, und werden sie höchstwahrscheinlich auch immer bleiben. Ein grimmiger Ausblick von 1949, geschrieben 1972, reflektiert und überarbeitet 1997, gelesen 2021. Und was macht man mit dieser Erkenntnis? Die Zukunft vorraussagen? Hoffentlich nicht. . .
Eins jedoch gab mir zu denken (deshalb auch 2 und nicht nur 1 Stern)
"dass wir durch diese Ereignisse jetzt eigentlich nur klar sehen, wie es ist. Aber es hat sich nichts verändert."
Diese Passage, in der er und Elvira sich über das Propaganda Poster unterhalten zeigt, dass die gleichen Kämpfe immernoch gekämpft werden. Die Probleme der sozialen Unterklassen bleiben die selben, und werden sie höchstwahrscheinlich auch immer bleiben. Ein grimmiger Ausblick von 1949, geschrieben 1972, reflektiert und überarbeitet 1997, gelesen 2021. Und was macht man mit dieser Erkenntnis? Die Zukunft vorraussagen? Hoffentlich nicht. . .
March 14, 2024
✍️ HENNING MANKELL
💬 LE DYNAMITEUR
🏠 SEUIL
📚 224 Pages
📆 1973
📈 2,5/5
Je connaissais cet auteur pour avoir lu et beaucoup aimé #leschaussuresitaliennes . Dans cette nouvelle lecture j’y ai retrouvé un peu de cette nature Suédoise 🇸🇪, la solitude, la nature mais les similitudes s’arrêtent là.
Le début était prometteur, un dynamiteur de 23 ans, Oscar se fait exploser sur le temps du travail (ouvrir une brèche dans la montagne pour construire un tunnel). Son avis de décès parait dans les journaux, les gens le croient mort, finalement il survit MAIS l’avis de décès n’est jamais démenti ⚰️ . Teasing assez sympa : comment va-t-il en profiter ? Quelle intrigue va en découler ?
Bah rien, pas de ce côté en fait. Ce n’est pas un polar. J’ai pas du tout accroché si ce n’est les moments contemplatifs quand Oscar part en retraite sur la cabane de l’ile 🏝️ tous les étés et aussi la description de la vie des ouvriers. Mais le récit est décousu, passe sans cesse du passé au présent sans prévenir, d’un interlocuteur à un autre. Le livre est très court c’est la seule raison pour laquelle je l’ai terminé.
Il a écrit ce livre en 1973 et n’a été édité qu’en 2018 en France, après sa mort. Bon quand on connait le succès de ses autres livres c’est que celui-ci n’était pas jugé super tip top. C’est son premier 📕 , ça parle de la misère ouvrière, de lutte de classe mais c’est pas foufou.
Quel est votre titre préféré de l’auteur ?
#suede #dynamite #accident #handicap #socialisme #capitalisme #comunisme #luttedesclasses #ile
#ledynamiteur
#henningmankell
#editionsseuil @editionsseuil
#livreaddict #book #livre #livres #bookstagram #livrestagram #bookaddict #ilovebooks #lirecestlavie #read
💬 LE DYNAMITEUR
🏠 SEUIL
📚 224 Pages
📆 1973
📈 2,5/5
Je connaissais cet auteur pour avoir lu et beaucoup aimé #leschaussuresitaliennes . Dans cette nouvelle lecture j’y ai retrouvé un peu de cette nature Suédoise 🇸🇪, la solitude, la nature mais les similitudes s’arrêtent là.
Le début était prometteur, un dynamiteur de 23 ans, Oscar se fait exploser sur le temps du travail (ouvrir une brèche dans la montagne pour construire un tunnel). Son avis de décès parait dans les journaux, les gens le croient mort, finalement il survit MAIS l’avis de décès n’est jamais démenti ⚰️ . Teasing assez sympa : comment va-t-il en profiter ? Quelle intrigue va en découler ?
Bah rien, pas de ce côté en fait. Ce n’est pas un polar. J’ai pas du tout accroché si ce n’est les moments contemplatifs quand Oscar part en retraite sur la cabane de l’ile 🏝️ tous les étés et aussi la description de la vie des ouvriers. Mais le récit est décousu, passe sans cesse du passé au présent sans prévenir, d’un interlocuteur à un autre. Le livre est très court c’est la seule raison pour laquelle je l’ai terminé.
Il a écrit ce livre en 1973 et n’a été édité qu’en 2018 en France, après sa mort. Bon quand on connait le succès de ses autres livres c’est que celui-ci n’était pas jugé super tip top. C’est son premier 📕 , ça parle de la misère ouvrière, de lutte de classe mais c’est pas foufou.
Quel est votre titre préféré de l’auteur ?
#suede #dynamite #accident #handicap #socialisme #capitalisme #comunisme #luttedesclasses #ile
#ledynamiteur
#henningmankell
#editionsseuil @editionsseuil
#livreaddict #book #livre #livres #bookstagram #livrestagram #bookaddict #ilovebooks #lirecestlavie #read
May 12, 2021
I loved the first half. The way it kept switching from Oskar’s early years before the accident to years later right before his death. I loved the way it was written from an anonymous narrator. I loved learning about the effects of his accident during the course of his life, and I loved seeing the contrast of how he viewed his life to be so little and nothing vs what he actually went through and did.
The reason why I’m rating 3 though is because it became political in the second half of the book, which I should have seen coming considering the years it’s set in. But I feel the political second half wasn’t as enjoyable to be read as the first half.
“Oskar tries to creat a false picture of himself, and his story has to be seen and developed in the context of whatever motivated his choice.”
The reason why I’m rating 3 though is because it became political in the second half of the book, which I should have seen coming considering the years it’s set in. But I feel the political second half wasn’t as enjoyable to be read as the first half.
“Oskar tries to creat a false picture of himself, and his story has to be seen and developed in the context of whatever motivated his choice.”
July 25, 2022
Ich bin mit dem Schreibstil nicht warm geworden.
February 25, 2020
The Rock Blaster, Henning Mankell (1948-2015) Translated by George Goulding . 1972 first published, first English 14/2/2020 iBook, pre ordered.
Henning Mankell's first novel, never before released in English, explores the reflections of a working class man who has struggled against the constraints of his station for his entire life.
This is a challenging read however because it has a very different format, narrator, Oskar.....writer.....switching about in time and memory. Took awhile to get a rhythm but a very good read.
QUOTE: The year is 1911. The young rock blaster Oskar Johansson has been killed in an accident. Or so it says in the local newspaper. In spite of very serious injuries, Oskar survives. Decades later, Oskar looks back and reflects on his working life as an invalid, his marriage, his dreams, and his hopes. His politics and those of his time. Oskar's life is woven together out of fragments of voices, images, and episodes that, taken together, provide a sharp and precise picture of life in Sweden........ end quote. Oskar Johansson 1888-1969
The extreme living conditions of his youth really made me think back to my grandmother on the prairie of Canada bringing up four children in a tiny two room house with biffy in the backyard past the rhubarb patch. We forget how hard things were most places back in these times and it makes this an even more relevant read for now in the ME world of 2020!
I have always enjoyed reading Mankell and to finally read the first published book he wrote has been special. Also that there are several additions of his own thoughts at publication 1972, 1997, and later. His politics and Oskar’s. The times he writes about saw much change in politics and society everywhere. This makes this book a very interesting read in my opinion. Indeed I wonder what Henning Mankell would make of climate change and the world today just 5 years after his own passing.......
Excellent article.....
https://nbmagazine.co.uk/the-rock-bla...
Henning Mankell's first novel, never before released in English, explores the reflections of a working class man who has struggled against the constraints of his station for his entire life.
This is a challenging read however because it has a very different format, narrator, Oskar.....writer.....switching about in time and memory. Took awhile to get a rhythm but a very good read.
QUOTE: The year is 1911. The young rock blaster Oskar Johansson has been killed in an accident. Or so it says in the local newspaper. In spite of very serious injuries, Oskar survives. Decades later, Oskar looks back and reflects on his working life as an invalid, his marriage, his dreams, and his hopes. His politics and those of his time. Oskar's life is woven together out of fragments of voices, images, and episodes that, taken together, provide a sharp and precise picture of life in Sweden........ end quote. Oskar Johansson 1888-1969
The extreme living conditions of his youth really made me think back to my grandmother on the prairie of Canada bringing up four children in a tiny two room house with biffy in the backyard past the rhubarb patch. We forget how hard things were most places back in these times and it makes this an even more relevant read for now in the ME world of 2020!
I have always enjoyed reading Mankell and to finally read the first published book he wrote has been special. Also that there are several additions of his own thoughts at publication 1972, 1997, and later. His politics and Oskar’s. The times he writes about saw much change in politics and society everywhere. This makes this book a very interesting read in my opinion. Indeed I wonder what Henning Mankell would make of climate change and the world today just 5 years after his own passing.......
Excellent article.....
https://nbmagazine.co.uk/the-rock-bla...
February 3, 2023
This is Henning Mankell's first published book. I didn't know the author who is famous for his detective novels started out writing about his political beliefs. This was a beautiful account of the life of a rock blaster who suffered horrible injuries when dynamite failed to explode as expected and he was the one who had to go up to the charge to check why it hadn't detonated. Of course, when he got close, it did. There were no social programs to support a young man like him, who lost a hand and an eye in the blast. He just had to go on working. He never stopped believing that social change was possible, that capitalism could be overturned for a socialist government that would support poor workers like him, and that wealth could be redistributed so that those who made wealth possible for the upper classes could share in the wealth they helped produce. I don't know if much has changed here or in Sweden or anywhere in the world. The rich continue to become richer and the working people continue to struggle to survive.
July 30, 2018
Inhalt:
Der Roman erzählt die Lebensgeschichte des Sprengmeisters Oskar Johansson, der 1911 bei der Sprengung eines Eisenbahntunnels in Schweden schwer verletzt wird.
Seine Freundin bricht mit ihm, und er heiratet ihre Schwester Elvira. Die beiden führen ein bescheidenes, entbehrungsreiches Leben, damit der knappe Lohn auch für drei Kinder reicht. Trotz seiner Verwundungen kehrt Oskar zurück in seinen Beruf.
Fazit:
Der Roman ist eine interessante Erzählung darüber, wie die meisten Menschen in den Städten Europas in der Vergangenheit gelebt haben.
Das Buch hat zwar nur knappe 200 Seiten, bietet aber sehr emotionalen Tiefgang - man muss bei der Sache sein, und kann es nicht nebenbei / zwischendurch lesen. Eine wirklich eindrucksvolle und sehr interessante Erzählung. Mit großer Empathie und Einfühlungsvermögen sind die Protagonisten vom Autor geschildert worden.
Absolute Empfehlung von meiner Seite für diese Geschichte.
Der Roman erzählt die Lebensgeschichte des Sprengmeisters Oskar Johansson, der 1911 bei der Sprengung eines Eisenbahntunnels in Schweden schwer verletzt wird.
Seine Freundin bricht mit ihm, und er heiratet ihre Schwester Elvira. Die beiden führen ein bescheidenes, entbehrungsreiches Leben, damit der knappe Lohn auch für drei Kinder reicht. Trotz seiner Verwundungen kehrt Oskar zurück in seinen Beruf.
Fazit:
Der Roman ist eine interessante Erzählung darüber, wie die meisten Menschen in den Städten Europas in der Vergangenheit gelebt haben.
Das Buch hat zwar nur knappe 200 Seiten, bietet aber sehr emotionalen Tiefgang - man muss bei der Sache sein, und kann es nicht nebenbei / zwischendurch lesen. Eine wirklich eindrucksvolle und sehr interessante Erzählung. Mit großer Empathie und Einfühlungsvermögen sind die Protagonisten vom Autor geschildert worden.
Absolute Empfehlung von meiner Seite für diese Geschichte.
January 3, 2020
An understated novel about the trials of a worker involved in a crippling accident, the Rock Blaster is often poetic, but a largely scattershot narrative often left me feeling too confused to really appreciate the prose. Mankell uses the main character's gruesome injuries to highlight the struggles of the working class, following the character throughout his life as he attempts to deal with his new reality. The main issue is the rapid switch between POVs, timelines, and characters, which honestly left me confused as to who the main character was until a bit of a ways into the novel.
I have not read any of Mankell's other works, so I can't compare the writing style, but if his other novels are written in a similar manner I would certainly give them a try. I'd just hope for a bit of a tighter plot.
**I was given a copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group**
I have not read any of Mankell's other works, so I can't compare the writing style, but if his other novels are written in a similar manner I would certainly give them a try. I'd just hope for a bit of a tighter plot.
**I was given a copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group**
May 18, 2020
Mankell's first book finally published in English. It is choppy, fragmented, occasionally hard to follow, but focus, focus, focus. Reread a chapter if need be before moving on. It will begin to click.
It follows the history of Sweden in the 20th century thru the eyes of Oskar, a Rock Blaster (dynamiter) who was hideously disfigured in an industrial accident. Leave that aside, he does not let this define him.
Basically this is the story of Oskar's love for his wife Elvira, and their shared passion for Socialist reform versus Capitalism in Sweden which evolves during the century. And, at the end of the day, his peaceful end-life on his lonely island retreat, having fought the good fight.
It follows the history of Sweden in the 20th century thru the eyes of Oskar, a Rock Blaster (dynamiter) who was hideously disfigured in an industrial accident. Leave that aside, he does not let this define him.
Basically this is the story of Oskar's love for his wife Elvira, and their shared passion for Socialist reform versus Capitalism in Sweden which evolves during the century. And, at the end of the day, his peaceful end-life on his lonely island retreat, having fought the good fight.
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