2024
Jens M. Johansson’s big breakthrough in Norway, shamelessly
praised by critics and readers are already calling the novel a
Norwegian Elena Ferrante.
The novel revolves around Else. We follow her from when she is
born on the day before the Second World War breaks out, and to
her death. Simon is the narrator. He is married to Else’s youngest
daughter. Katja has always been furious with her mother. And now
– when Katja and Simon’s marriage is falling apart – he starts to
piece together Else’s forgotten life. Simon’s pursuit through letters,
diaries, small notes and receipts gradually becomes more desperate.
He has to understand Else in order to understand Katja, to save
their marriage. But most importantly – he is afraid he will inflict his
son Leon with the unhappiness he feels in his own marriage.
The novel describes Else’s social climb and a world in quick transformation:
a world war, a sexual revolution. It shows how minor
details are crucial to a human’s destiny. It is a book about the fragile
choices we make in our lives, about expectations and betrayal. And
a moving story about love, marriage, family and a sense of belonging.
«Jens M. Johansson’s new novel is an intense, wellwritten,
well-documented story of our fragile lives,
our longing for meaning and love. Look forward to a
deep and meaningful reading experience!»
«A good life is a brilliant novel. It should be Jens M.
Johansson’s big breakthrough.»
«Jens M. Johansson writes with a deep understanding
of life’s central questions. With this novel, he
positions himself as one of the leading novelists
in today’s Norway.»
«Jens M. Johansson writes with a deep understanding
of life’s central questions. With this novel, he
positions himself as one of the leading novelists
in today’s Norway.»
Jens M. Johansson
