Да изживееш норвежката мечта

by Eric Dregni, Ерик Дрегни, Юлия Чернева (translator)

Прадядото на Ерик Дрегни напуска Норвегия, когато тя е най-бедната страна в Европа. Повече от сто години по-късно неговият внук се завръща в една от най-богатите държави, за да изживее норвежката мечта.

Потеклото му предполага, че е подготвен за среща със скандинавската държава, но се оказва, че местните имат с какво да изненадат Ерик. Колоритните обичаи, специфичните им разбирания за живота и… традиционната кухня успяват да го впечатлят. Ерик ни представя Норвегия в пълния ѝ блясък – от необикновената ѝ история, през изключителната социална и обществена система, спиращите дъха природни дадености до ексцентричните ѝ жители.

Ерик Дрегни преподава журналистика, творческо писане, английски и италиански език в университета в Минесота. За написването на „Да изживееш норвежката мечта“ той печели престижна стипендия точно когато разбира, че съпругата му е бременна. Това прави едногодишния престой на семейството в Норвегия много по-трепетен. Дрегни е автор на 19 книги.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Memoir, Scandinavian Literature, Humor, Biography Memoir, Book Club

260 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Eric Dregni has written nine books including Midwest Marvels, The Scooter Bible, Ads that Put America on Wheels, and Grazie a Dio non Sono Bolognese. As a 2004 Fulbright Fellow to the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, Eric researched Scandinavian culture and roots for a forthcoming book. His time is divided between Italy, Norway, and Minneapolis where he is the curator for El Dorado Conquistador Museum and guitarist for the mock-rock trio Vinnie & the Stardüsters.

Reviews

[Адриана К. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.4 ⭐

Норвегия е мечтана за мен дестинация, а чрез книгата на Ерик Дрегни успях да се докосна до тази красива и необикновена страна. Начинът на писане и разказване на автора обаче, някак не ми допадна и на места ме напрягаше, което отне от удоволствието - имах нужда от повече дълбочина в историите, повече за страната, за хората там, за историята, но явно идеята му е различна и по-лична. Все пак успях да науча интересни факти за живота, традиции и вкусове на скандинавците.

Открих и мечтаната си професия в Норвегия – библиотекар на корабче с книги, което обикаля фиордите до малки селища, за да осигурява четиво на живеещите там. Впечатли ме и това, че норвежците не питат „Какво работиш?“, а по-скоро се интересуват „Откъде си?“ и какви планове имаш, защото за тях работата не е определяща и не е всичко в живота. Научих и за букмол – книжовният норвежки език с по-скоро датско звучене и за строгите обществени закони на Янте (наричани Янтеловен) в основата на които седи концепцията, че не e добре да мислим за себе си като за по-способни или по-умни от другите.

Норвегия е и страната, в която всяка година се изгарят най-много свещи в света на глава от населението - 57 на човек или 250 милиона годишно, създавайки доста работа на пожарникарите. За характерния скандинавски климат, който плаши много туристи, норвежците са убедени, че „няма лошо време, има лоши дрехи“, а ако попаднеш в буря насред морето, единственото, което трябва да запомниш е да застанеш в средата на кораба. Всеки регион в Норвегия има различен и характерен стил пуловер, а плетенето заема важно място в ежедневието на хората – в градчето Селбу има известна група жени, разработили свои мотиви и шарки в плетките си. Там се намират и Музей на плетенето, както и Зала на славата на плетенето...

С вкус на херинга и предизвикателни рибни ястия, овесена каша с много масло и странни напитки, с истории за викинги и легендарни битки, с необятни гледки и спиращи дъха залези, за които сетивата сякаш не са достатъчни, за да ги възприемеш - Норвегия омагьосва и предизвиква да я опознаеш, да ѝ дадеш шанс, да я обикнеш…

[Justine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well-intentioned and sweet, but weak. My grandma was Norwegian, I eat herring at the new year, I love Kings of Convenience, and I have often fantasized about living in Norway. I really wanted to like this book. Unfortunately, it gave me the impression that it was written at the last minute to fulfill whatever Fulbright obligations Dregni had. Bits of trivia are weakly linked together to fill space between unsatisfying anecdotes. Many passages are unclear. The last paragraph of one chapter completely contradicts the first paragraph of the following chapter. A stronger edit could have brought out more emotional resonance: How does Norwegian history shape personality? Why do third- and fourth-generation Americans still identify so strongly with their Norwegian heritage, however diluted? How is society affected by the short winter days? These topics are touched on only briefly. I learned more about the author's son's colic than I did Norwegian culture. In his defense, I also know the blur that is the first year of a baby's life and I imagine it must have been challenging to form a detailed impression of Norway. I was surprised to read in the acknowledgments that he cut a lot from the book, at the suggestion of his mentors. What did he cut? Could more material have strengthened the book?

[Деница Райкова]

Ерик Дрегни - "Да изживееш норвежката мечта", изд. "Ера" 220, прев. Юлия Чернева

Върнах се от едно интересно пътешествие.
Да, наистина, "само" книжно, но пък толкова интересно и вълнуващо. И фактът, че преди години наистина посетих Норвегия, а сега се "връщам" в нея само на книга, не направи преживяването по-малко вълнуващо. Напротив - допълни го. Защото все пак моето преживяване там беше като турист, а сега имах възможност да "видя" страната през погледа на човек,свързан с нея.
Признавам обаче, че в началото не бях сигурна дали ще харесам тази книга. Може би защото - волно или неволно - я сравнявах с книгата за Нидерландия от същата поредица, която прочетох наскоро, и някак все очаквах да попадна на пасажи, тясно свързани с историята или политиката на страната. Отне ми известно време да приема, че тази книга няма да бъде такава. И че макар в нея да има всичко, което един чужденец би искал - или би трябвало, а защо не и двете - да знае за страната, тя в много голяма степен е автобиографична история. И в голямата си част се чете като роман. Поне за мен беше така. И след като това ми стана ясно, тя ме увлече истински. До такава степен, че когато стигнах до послената страница, се сепнах - не ми се вярваше, че книгата е свършила.
Ерик Дрегни е американец с норвежки корени, приктигнал в Норвегия, за да пише за страната. И го прави по един наистина чудесен начин. Беше ми изключително интересно да чета за отношенията между хората, за семейната история, дори за социалната политика, за начина, по който се възпитават децата. Бях чувала за "свободното възпитание", но едва сега го видях описано и получих по-ясна представа. С особен интерес прочетох за "Янтеловен" - защото всички сме чували или дори сами сме казвали, че определени народи са "студени", но едва тук видях истинско и подробно обяснение - и дори анализ - на тази "студенина".
Приятната ми изненада, че тук няма чак толкова политически, исторически и изобщо суховати обяснения, се допълни и с многото страници, посветени на различни типични храни /искрено съчувствах на семейството във "Вечер на кашата"./ Няма да споменавам колко добре ги разбирах в "рибените моменти".
Ако приемем, че авторите на подобни книги са един вид екскурзоводи, които "повеждат" читателя на пътешествие из непозната или малко позната за него страна, то Ерик Дрегни би се наредил сред най-добрите. Защото всеки може да ти покаже типичните забележителности, дори да не е "истински" екскурзовод. Но от книгата на Дрегни се научават неща, които няма да чуете на никоя организирана екскурзия. Тази книга не е пътеводител. Тя е много лична. И именвно това я прави прекрасна. Затваряйки страниците, имам чувството, че се връщам от истинско пътуване. И съжалявам, че беше толкова кратко.
Но си заслужаваше. Напълно.

[Kerry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think maybe either the author has a sense of humor that doesn’t gel well with mine, or he’s shallow. This could have been a book about embracing the culture and people of Norway for a year and exploring family roots. Instead it felt mocking, shallow and at times culturally insensitive.

[Sue · Rating 1 out of 5]

Some of this was interesting, but it seemed like a series of tweets strung together - no real insights, no development, no theme. I think he squandered an opportunity (and a chunk of fellowship money) to write with depth on...something.

[Iliana Simeonova · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Да изживееш норвежката мечта” от Ерик Дрегни е прекрасна книга, с която читятеля може да се докосне до културата и традициите на тази скандинавска страна. Живеейки една година в Норвегия, автора се впуска в едно приключение, опознавайки своите корени и давайки ни възможността да погледнем живота в Норвегия през неговия поглед.

[Петър Стойков · Rating 4 out of 5]

Кратка и що-годе симпатична книга на американец от норвежки произход, който една година живее в Норвегия и се опитва да възстанови връзката със забравените си и изгубени далечни роднини и да види и разбере какво е Норвегия и какви са норвежците.

Погледът му не е никак задълбочен, но и не се прави на такъв - затова е лек и забавен, и дава някаква представа какви ги вършат хората там дето половината година е тъмно и е минус 40 градуса, имат си огромни нефтени залежи и пият рибено масло за закуска.

Прекаленото залитане към описанието на особеностите на норвежката кулинария са леко дразнещи но се понасят.

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I wanted to read a book about a wimp of a husband, an annoying hag of a wife, and raising a screaming baby in Norway, I would have picked a different book. If I wanted to actually learn something interesting about the country in question, I would have picked a different book. Unbelievably boring; I had high hopes in this title just to find myself hoping for the last page to finally appear before my eyes. No clear ending either, I’m left unsatisfied and disappointed.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming, funny and informative.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must be doing something wrong. How have I never received a Fullbright Fellowship that fully funds a year trip to a country so that I can write a book about it? If Eric Dregni figured out a way to make his Norway trip happen, surly I can be compelling as well! #goals.

I sat down in a weekend just read this book. It felt like a travel guide to Norway -- and I love to travel. I was simply sucked in. Not only the landscapes, beautiful fjords, mountains, and waterways intrigued me, but I realized I did not know much about modern Norwegian day-to-day life the author had some discussion about this concept of janteloven based on Jante Law: ten rules where the people try not to one-up each other, which causes Norwegians to stay even keel, not try to rise above their means, nor find out what ever people are up to; universal healthcare positives and negatives; relative safety with an uncrowded prison system due to the fact no one stays in jail more than 20 years, and usually is released after 5 years to foster better assimilation back into life; children who are allowed to run around without little discipline but are also allowed to be children; the country made it out of poverty by an oil reserve that was discovered, as well as them staying out of the European Association so that others cannot fish or mine in their waters. Now, I realize that I would not last a year in Norway. Sure, morketid, winter darkness, where the sun does not rise above the horizon, and comes out only about 2-4 hours a day, does not sound fun. However, my problem, there was waaaaaay too much fish for my taste. Although, it seemed like the younger natives don't eat a lot of fish daily there either.

It was an interesting idea to write this book. I would happily go to Australia if anyone would like to know what a year with the Aussies is like.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oofta! What a fun read! Having a Norske background with tastebuds for lutefisk and lefse is not required to enjoy this Norwegian author's sense of humor, but if you fall in that particular genetic strain this book is doubly fun to read. Amongst the chuckles you just might learn about the culture of present day Norwegians which may reveal our own American culture in a different light (or lack of light depending on the time of year!).

[Bryce Van Vleet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was absolutely delightful. I'm also thrilled I finally got some of the information I've been desperate for in regards to Norwegian culture. I finally have some contextual knowledge to base around my Norwegian lessons and my desire to revisit the homeland has increased tenfold. That said, this wasn't anything exceedingly special. The writing was personal and humorous, but nothing quite set this apart. It's very simple and doesn't need to be anything more complex. I truly loved this.

[Shana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eric and Katy move to Norway on a Fulbright fellowship. Adding a pregnant woman, then newborn to the mix makes for an entertaining tale. As one with some Norwegian ancestry, many of the stories were familiar. Not sure how I'd do with the dark winters! I do think the U.S. has something to learn from the Norwegians when it comes to childbirth and family leave.....

[Sonja · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a favorite of my Daughters of Norway Book Club group and I really was looking forward to reading it. However, maybe my hopes were up too high as it didn't quite reach my expectations. For one thing, I had already read "A Year of Living Danishly" which I thoroughly enjoyed and I guess I thought this book would be very similar. It was cute and a good read but it didn't have quite the pizazz the other book did. It did make me laugh a few times - but not as much as I was expecting. I almost hate to say this part but, it seemed like a lot of the time, his wife sounded like a downer, not really getting into the experience of living in Norway for a year. However, in her defense, she was pregnant with her first child and that was enough to go through, along with being in a strange country and a new culture. I think most readers would enjoy this book and learning of the young couple's Norwegian experiences. If you like this one, be sure and read the other book mentioned above.

[Joan Planells · Rating 3 out of 5]

Com a novel·la, no té massa de destacable. Una parella que desfà el camí dels seus avantpassats, tornant de Minnesota a Noruega. Amb aquest context, el narrador fa un recompte en primera persona del seu any a Noruega, col·leccionant anècdotes i explicant a grans trets els principals elements culturals, tradicionals, culinaris i socials de la vida i la manera de fer noruega.

Com a guia/text per acompanyar un viatge, o com una forma de conèixer Noruega a través d'una experiència personal, d'un "outsider", és una lectura amena i útil. Una forma de viatjar amb les lletres mentre que ho fas amb els peus.

[Mihaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the author and his persistence in searching for his family far, far away from America. He and his wife are brave enough to travel to Norway to explore a different culture and hopefully find members of the Dregni family, despite the challenges of not speaking Norwegian and preparing to give birth in a foreign country. Norwegian culture is quite unique and interesting. I was happy to learn a few Norwegian words as well. What I did not like were all the recipes for fish and the discussions about killing and eating reindeer. I wasn't pleased either with the chapter where a fish was cut up (its head, body, etc.) and there was blood everywhere. Everything else was amazing.

[Kim Tyo-Dickerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Living in Norway, this travel memoir about being Norwegian-American and finding a way to move to Norway for a year and explore their heritage is a great read. The Norwegian way of life has its surprises and rewards, and Dregni's tales of figuring it all out are refreshingly engaging, a mix of personal anecdote and just enough local history and geography to keep you turning the pages. I will be recommending this to our parent community and anyone who has recently moved to this land of introverts and nature-lovers!

[Robin Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A funny travelogue about the author's search for his family roots in Norway as he and his pregnant wife explore life, pregnancy, and new parenthood in a new country. Although a little uneven, the book is filled with hilarious moments and insights into modern Norwegian culture and the great exodus to Minnesota after the potato famine of Norway.

[Mary Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this anecdote filled report on a year's visit to Trondheim, Norway by a young couplevia a Fulbright. They left Minnesota for a year's immersion and a life that included the birth of their first child, and this book is a charming report of that year. East to read, full of insights.

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read about an Norwegian-American returning to their roots in Norway and starting a family. 🇳🇴 This book had a much more compelling narrative and story structure than the later For the Love of Cod which was chaotic and random. Read as a response to the Nordic Book Club at Augustana College. Also reading as driving by Draegne’s Store in Westby, Wisconsin. 🇳🇴

[Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun book to read, because of the many references to the area I live in in the US Midwest and because I had recently been to Norway. I enjoyed the breezy, conversational style and the descriptions of the people and the land.

[Sarah Ewald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a great literary read, but fun. Eric and his wife spend a sabbatical in Norway. Along the way, she is pregnant and experiences Norwegian healthcare. His intent is to visit the birthplace of his grandfather and share his experiences. Sweet book.

[S. Collin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a hilarious and enjoyable account of Dregni's residence in Norway. As a rare Minnesotan with no Scandinavian descent, I now wish to visit Norway and to eventually try lutefisk (despite warnings about the later).

[Susan Stangebye · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun read - especially in light of planning a trip to Norway in our future. I loved his story telling and his experiences getting to the know the Norwegian culture and the people there. I especially loved the Minnesota references.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Window into Norway from an American’s perspective. Authors story with his wife and young child illuminated things that wouldn’t necessarily have been obvious in another story, and seeking the connection to his great grandfather was a good touch.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable lighthearted read, learned a lot about Norway, my travel destination this August.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The experiences of a Norwegian American, (pardon me, Norwegian) in Norway, whose great grandfather emigrated to United States.

[Tara Syverson Wroblewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

So fun to hear from an American Norwegian who had the opportunity to live in Norway, meet his relatives - what a wonderful experience!

[Linda Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no Norwegian ancestry and knew nothing at all about Norway except that it is a wonderful country. Now I know why. I only wish this book were longer!!! I enjoyed it so much.

[Sarah Alawami · Rating 4 out of 5]

the book was quite good, I did spend most of it roaring with laughter in regard to the culture shock. I love the descriptions of the buildings etc.