Karl Ove Knausgård's latest novel, The School of Night, is a dizzying, 500-page exercise in existential dread that delves into the darker corners of human psychology and the supernatural. This sprawling epic, part of his Morning Star cycle, is an unsettling account of the occult phenomena that unfold after the appearance of a bright new star in the sky.
Through the story of Kristian Hadeland, a photographer with a talent for capturing the beauty of decay, Knausgård masterfully weaves together themes of mortality, identity, and the blurring of reality. As Kristian navigates his troubled past, including a complicated family history and a series of formative encounters in 1980s London, he becomes increasingly withdrawn and isolated.
The novel's narrative is fragmented and impressionistic, mirroring Knausgård's own assertion that he barely plans or edits his work. This approach can be disorienting for readers, who must sift through a wealth of background information and contextual clues to unravel the mystery at the heart of the story. Kristian's experiences are often hallucinatory and dreamlike, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.
One of the most striking aspects of The School of Night is its use of literary allusions, particularly those drawn from Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus. Knausgård employs this framework to explore themes of identity, morality, and the supernatural, imbuing his protagonist with a sense of Faustian longing.
Throughout the novel, Knausgård probes the limits of human understanding, exploring the tension between an instinctual materialism and the haunting possibility of something beyond comprehension. This existential preoccupation is a hallmark of his oeuvre, and The School of Night is no exception.
While some readers may find the novel's complexity and density overwhelming, others will be drawn into Knausgård's world, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy are constantly shifting. With its unique blend of philosophical introspection, literary allusions, and supernatural mystery, The School of Night is a work that defies easy summary or interpretation.
Ultimately, Knausgård's ability to deliver on the colossal promise of this sprawling epic remains to be seen. Will readers be able to unravel the tangled threads of his narrative, or will they become lost in the labyrinthine corridors of Kristian's mind? One thing is certain: for those willing to invest the time and effort required, The School of Night offers a richly rewarding experience that challenges even the most seasoned literary enthusiasts.
Through the story of Kristian Hadeland, a photographer with a talent for capturing the beauty of decay, Knausgård masterfully weaves together themes of mortality, identity, and the blurring of reality. As Kristian navigates his troubled past, including a complicated family history and a series of formative encounters in 1980s London, he becomes increasingly withdrawn and isolated.
The novel's narrative is fragmented and impressionistic, mirroring Knausgård's own assertion that he barely plans or edits his work. This approach can be disorienting for readers, who must sift through a wealth of background information and contextual clues to unravel the mystery at the heart of the story. Kristian's experiences are often hallucinatory and dreamlike, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.
One of the most striking aspects of The School of Night is its use of literary allusions, particularly those drawn from Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus. Knausgård employs this framework to explore themes of identity, morality, and the supernatural, imbuing his protagonist with a sense of Faustian longing.
Throughout the novel, Knausgård probes the limits of human understanding, exploring the tension between an instinctual materialism and the haunting possibility of something beyond comprehension. This existential preoccupation is a hallmark of his oeuvre, and The School of Night is no exception.
While some readers may find the novel's complexity and density overwhelming, others will be drawn into Knausgård's world, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy are constantly shifting. With its unique blend of philosophical introspection, literary allusions, and supernatural mystery, The School of Night is a work that defies easy summary or interpretation.
Ultimately, Knausgård's ability to deliver on the colossal promise of this sprawling epic remains to be seen. Will readers be able to unravel the tangled threads of his narrative, or will they become lost in the labyrinthine corridors of Kristian's mind? One thing is certain: for those willing to invest the time and effort required, The School of Night offers a richly rewarding experience that challenges even the most seasoned literary enthusiasts.
. I mean, who needs all that? Just give me some concise, no-nonsense prose and I'm good to go 
. And what's up with this "barely plans or edits" thing? Can't he just stick to a solid outline for once? It sounds like a recipe for reader frustration 
. But hey, if you're into that sorta thing, go for it. Just don't expect me to follow along on the journey of Kristian's fragmented psyche 
.
. On one hand, I think 500 pages is WAY too much for any book 
But on a more serious note, I love how Knausgård weaves together all these different themes and ideas - it's like he's trying to make me think way too much 
. But honestly, might be a bit too confusing for me... or am I just not reading it right? 
. I admire how he pushes the boundaries of storytelling, even if it means some readers might get lost in the labyrinth (been there myself!). The writing is dense, but trust me, it's worth diving in - just be prepared to take a deep breath and hold on tight! 
. I mean, I love Knausgård as much as the next person, but come on, dude! Can't he just give us a concise summary or something? This existential dread thingy sounds super heavy-handed to me...I'm not sure if it's gonna be my cup of tea. And what's up with all these literary allusions? I feel like I need a flowchart to keep track of them 
. his writing style is like trying to unravel a puzzle while being slowly pulled under by the undertow 
. it's intense and unsettling, just how he wants it 
. personally, i'm intrigued by the supernatural elements & philosophical themes 
. think it'll be a wild ride for those who take on this behemoth of a novel 
. might need to invest in some coffee & a comfortable spot to get lost in this one 
️
And don't even get me started on the "fragile" narrative that requires you to sift through all this extra info. Just give me a straightforward plot, ya know? 
But for the rest of us mere mortals, maybe we'll just stick to our 200-page paperbacks and call it a day? 
I'm loving this new novel by Karl Ove Knausgård! 500 pages might seem daunting, but trust me, it's worth the investment 
. And those literary allusions to Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus? Genius! 
. Some readers might find it overwhelming, but I say, the more complex, the better 
.