Powderhouse
- 208pages
- 8 heures de lecture
Powderhouse is a novel which is set in an asylum for the criminally insane, where the narrator functions as a kind of porter, observing and commenting on the foibles of inmates and keepers alike
Jens Bjørneboe était un écrivain et peintre norvégien dont l'œuvre a constitué une critique éloquente et acerbe de la société norvégienne et de la civilisation occidentale. Son humanisme intransigeant et sa quête incessante de vérité l'ont mené à travers une vie turbulente marquée par de profondes dépressions, l'alcoolisme et même une condamnation pour obscénité. S'identifiant comme anarcho-nihiliste, la production littéraire de Bjørneboe, qui couvre romans, poésie et pièces de théâtre, explore des thèmes tels que l'injustice, les échecs sociétaux et la condition humaine. Il est considéré comme l'un des auteurs d'après-guerre les plus importants de Norvège, célébré pour un style d'écriture caractérisé par la passion et une volonté courageuse d'explorer les extrêmes.







Powderhouse is a novel which is set in an asylum for the criminally insane, where the narrator functions as a kind of porter, observing and commenting on the foibles of inmates and keepers alike
This volume marks the apex and the culmination of the provocative Norwegian author Jens Bjorneboe's investigations into the nature of evil.
Exploring the moral dilemmas of individuals during World War II, this chilling novel delves into the lives of Germans involved in Nazi concentration camps. Dr. Reynhardt, a family man, struggles with his role in horrific medical experiments, while Heidenbrand grapples with his complicity driven by ambition. The arrival of Samuel, a Jewish prisoner and childhood friend, complicates their relationships and forces them to confront their choices. The narrative examines themes of inhumanity, the ethics of science, and the weight of free will, reflecting ongoing societal concerns.
Set against the backdrop of the late 19th century, the narrative follows Peder Jensen, a second mate and introspective philosopher, as he witnesses a ship's journey filled with mutiny and shipwreck. The story explores themes of human fragility and self-destruction while drawing parallels to classic maritime literature. As the rigid hierarchy aboard the ship crumbles, a new sense of community arises among the crew, highlighting the tension between the vastness of the sea and the complexities of human relationships.
This is the first volume of a trilogy which marks the high point of outspokenness and originality of one of Norway's most controversial modern writers.
Set in a quaint Italian fishing village, the story explores the lives of expatriates navigating love and community dynamics while clashing with local fishermen over tourism development. Through vivid character sketches, it offers a humorous yet insightful social commentary on the tension between modernity and tradition, highlighting the complexities of human interaction amidst differing values. This lighter, engaging read showcases Jens Bjørneboe's talent for blending humor with critical observations of society.
Die Geschichte eines Schiffsunterganges
"Die Geschichte eines Schiffsunterganges" ist eigentlich die Geschichte einer über ihre bestialischen Raufereien das Wohl des Schiffes vergessenden Besatzung.
Jens Bjørneboes Pulverturm spielt im Elsaß und ist das Zentrum einer Nervenheilanstalt, in der Patienten aufgrund ihrer eigenen Kriminalität psychisch erkrankt sind. Ärzte und Personal brechen mit Konventionen und berücksichtigen historische Erfahrungen in der Untersuchung menschlichen Fehlverhaltens.