By:Alexander L. Kielland Published By:Double9 Books
About the Book
Skipper Worse delves into the complexities of personal identity, societal expectations, and the impact of social changes. The protagonist, a seasoned sailor returning from a long voyage, finds himself at odds with his past and the community he left behind. As he navigates his homecoming, the novel explores the internal and external struggles of reconciling personal ambition with the weight of societal norms. The tension between individual desires and the expectations of others is evident throughout the narrative, particularly as the protagonist faces alienation from those around him. His return is marked by a mixture of joy and unease, reflecting the shifting dynamics within both his personal life and the larger social fabric. The novel portrays the challenges of maintaining one's sense of self amid changing times, highlighting how personal history and the societal context shape individual actions and relationships. Through the protagonist's journey, the story examines the complexities of ambition, vulnerability, and the search for belonging.
Alexander Lange Kielland was a Norwegian realistic writer, born on February 18, 1849, in Stavanger, Norway. He is regarded as one of the "Four Greats" of Norwegian literature, alongside Henrik Ibsen, Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson, and Jonas Lie. Kielland’s works are known for their sharp critique of social issues, and his writing often explored themes of morality, societal norms, and the human condition. He was educated at Stavanger Cathedral School and later became an important figure in the development of modern Norwegian literature. In 1872, he married Beate Ramsland, with whom he had two children, Beate and Jens Zetlitz Kielland. Throughout his career, Kielland wrote novels, short stories, and plays, often addressing the struggles of individuals within a complex and changing society. His works contributed to the rise of realism in Norwegian literature. He passed away on April 6, 1906, in Bergen, Norway, at the age of 57. Kielland’s legacy as a critical observer of society remains influential in Norwegian literature today.