How to Understand and Use a Norwegian: A User's Manual and Troubleshooter's Guide [Illustrated]

by Odd Børretzen

The Norwegian comes in a number of different models, sizes and sexes. In this book, for practical reasons, these will all be designated as "The Norwegian."

How to understand and use a Norwegian in order to achieve the best possible results as well as durability.

The essential guide for those who have acquired, or know someone who has acquired, or simply know someone who has taken an interest in a Norwegian.

You will get to know everything about
· the correct treatment
· preservation
· maintenance
· and general utilization.

And it comes complete with A TROUBLESHOOTER'S GUIDE.

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor

61 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Odd Lunde Børretzen (født 21. november 1926 i Fister i Hjelmeland, død 3. november 2012 i Tønsberg) var en norsk forfatter, illustratør, oversetter og vokalist. Han var særlig kjent for humoristiske og satiriske selvillustrerte bøker og for sine radiokåserier. Etter 1995 nådde han ut til et stort norsk publikum med sine viser med vittige og livsfilosofiske tekster, hvorav albumet og tittelsporet «Noen ganger er det all right» er blant de mest kjente.

Reviews

[Lora · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're looking for actual information, this isn't the book for you. But if you're looking for a few chuckles because you already know som Norwegians, this is a fun little book that is illustrated by the author, a famous Norwegian author, illustrator and performer who died in 2012. The book is also available with Norwegian text ("Hvordan forstå og bruke en nordmann").

The book is from 2003 and a little outdated. I have lived in Norway for 20 years, and I've noticed things that to a certain extent contradict what's in the book:

- Norwegians are no longer so focused on simple vacation cabins.

- They eat more exotic foods than before, and drinking occasional glass of wine is more common (not just occasional and excessive drinking).

- Lingering at a cafe is a common social pasttime now, but in some respects Norwegians are still pragmatically social - "he would prefer that the time spent with other people be utilitarian and purposeful," as the author wrote.

- The Law of Jante (Rule 1: "You're not to think you're anything special") is giving way to a modern love of attention and uniqueness. But this comment in the book made me laugh: "[The Norwegian] believes that God (and the King) is quite all right - on the condition that He behaves like a proper Norwegian and doesn't believe that He is anything special."

Other things remain relevant, for example, "national obstinacy" and national pride (the country is very proud of any Norwegian that makes it big abroad).

[Mimozë · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very short, but highly amusing book. Recommended especially to the internationals with direct experience with the culture and behaviors of the Norwegian, trying to make sense of them all.

[Gro E. L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read

[Junyi Yang]

A gift from our neighbor, stereotypical but relatable.

[Nikolai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really funny book that really nails some of the stereotypes connected to norwegians. The explanations why norwegians have become how they are, really brings up a smile. Good book, quick read, I recommend it.

[Marte · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read, quite funny, and useful for anyone who may come into contact with Norwegians. It's a bit dated and could have been a bit more substantial, but otherwise I enjoyed it.

[Rebecka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parts of this are startlingly accurate.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amusing, if strange at times, this gives a not-too-serious look into some Norwegian traditions and stereotypes, which probably make more sense with experience!

[dianne b. · Rating 3 out of 5]

quite practical.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun (but slightly out of date: there are much fewer local newspapers now) look at Norwegian culture.