Absolutely enjoyable classic Norwegian horror mystery. Being from the 40s, it’s not a visceral haunting, but something far more subtle.
Often likened to Agatha Christie, I found it akin to Lovecraft by way of Nancy Drew. If that sounds odd, I’d say read some original Nancy Drew!
The Lake of the Dead
André Bjerke
Translated by James D. Jenkins
209 pages
Valancourt International
Published October 2023
Originally published 1942
Horror / Gothic / Crime
So the book is written in the first person, with a very close narration as if the writer is reading this manuscript to you in many ways. It begins as a retelling but shifts often into the viewpoint of the same person as a protagonist. Maybe Interview with the Vampire is similarly written. So the style is very friendly and since the cast of characters has very distinct roles, it is easy to keep track of everyone.
My favourite aspect of the characters is their differing viewpoints. At all times the literary critic, the writer, the psychoanalyst and the lawyer butt heads and it makes for some very interesting discourse whether they are talking murder, madness, literature or just trying to explain the predicament they are in.
The introduction written by the translator, James D Jenkins, is a treasure trove of insight and facts relating to the life of the author, meanings of words lost on the English reader and history at the time the book was written.
A fascinating read and one I am very glad was picked from the polls of new releases and has found new life in this careful translation so an anglophone can enjoy this to the fullest.