Norwegian novelist, playwright, and poet Jon Fosse, born in Haugesund in 1959, loves writing expansive multi-volume works. His trilogy of short novels “Sleepless,” “Olav’s Dreams,” and “Evening Fatigue” (2007 to 2014) is considered one of the best in his prose work, alongside the monumental seven-part series from 2019 to 2021.
In his first novel after winning the Nobel Prize in 2023, titled “Vaim,” Fosse begins a new trilogy. The short novel itself is nested in three parts, intricately connected in content and characters, each with distinct tones.
The first part unfolds in Fosse’s trademark meditative and slow style, portraying the shy hermit Jatgeir, a middle-aged confirmed bachelor, leaving his hometown Vaim on a sailing boat bound for the city of Bjørgvin. Fosse’s frequent use of the historical name for the city of Bergen suggests a setting removed from reality, perhaps in a secret, uncanny past. His characters lack smartphones, relying instead on harbor gossip and conversations for news.
Known for his ability to imbue quiet everyday moments with monumental significance, Fosse skillfully weaves Jatgeir’s voyage with a deep, secret longing for a woman from his youth named Eline. As the story unfolds, reality and dream blend seamlessly, creating a sense of mystery and melancholy around their encounter.
The narrative explores themes of mystery, identity, and the fragile bonds of love, portraying a unique experience of human connection and reflection on the transient nature of earthly love. “Vaim” may not rank among Fosse’s greatest works, lacking the emotional depth of previous masterpieces like “Melancholy,” but it offers a collection of Fosse’s signature themes and an opportunity for readers to engage with his singular storytelling style.
Jon Fosse’s novel “Vaim,” translated from Norwegian by Hinrich Schmidt-Henkel, was published in 2025 by Rowohlt Verlag, Hamburg. This 160-page work is a testament to Fosse’s unique storytelling prowess and invites readers to delve into his distinctive literary world.
