The Conqueror
Exploring the complexities of fame and personal turmoil
Jan Kjaerstad author Barbara J Haveland translator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Quercus Publishing
Published:11th Nov '08
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Jonas Wergeland's shocking conviction for his wife's murder prompts a professor to explore the complexities of his life in The Conqueror.
In The Conqueror, Jonas Wergeland stands at the center of a gripping narrative, having been convicted of murdering his wife, Margrete. This shocking turn of events raises questions about how such a beloved figure in Norway could fall from grace so dramatically. The author delves into the complexities of Wergeland's life, revealing the darker aspects that lurked beneath his public persona. Through this exploration, readers are invited to consider the juxtaposition of fame and personal turmoil.
As the story unfolds, a professor is tasked with writing a biography of Wergeland, aiming to piece together the puzzle of his rise to fame and subsequent downfall. However, the overwhelming amount of information available proves to be a significant challenge for the professor, leaving him feeling lost and unsure of how to approach the task. The narrative takes a turn when a mysterious stranger arrives at his door, offering to share stories that could illuminate the enigma surrounding Wergeland's life.
The encounter with this stranger serves as a catalyst for the professor’s journey, as he begins to unravel the intricate threads of Wergeland's past. The Conqueror not only examines the life of a man who was once celebrated but also raises profound questions about identity, perception, and the hidden struggles that can exist behind a public facade.
'An enormously accomplished and compelling novel by one of Scandinavia's outstanding contemporary writers. Barbara J. Haveland and Arcadia Books have performed a great service by giving us Kjaerstad in English at last' - Paul Auster'I read the Norwegian writer Jan Kjaerstad's energetic blast of a novel, The Seducer, in one. It's irresistible and playful' - Ali Smith, TLS'Jan Kjaerstad is a brave writer. The Seducer succeeds at being a great work of fiction, and a terrific read' - Anna Paterson, Independent
ISBN: 9781905147380
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
493 pages