Against Nature - The Notebooks

Against Nature is a companion volume to Espedal's earlier book Against Art, exploring the themes of factory work, love labor, and the work of writing. It examines the idea that working is necessary to live in compliance with society, but is it natural? Espedal is drawn into the stories of Abélard and Héloïse, Marguerite Duras, and her Chinese lover, and realizes that he, too, is becoming a person who must choose to live against nature.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2022
Publisher: Seagull Books London Ltd

In the realm of contemporary Norwegian fiction, Tomas Espedal emerges as a writer whose work possesses a profoundly personal essence, often blurring the boundaries between his fictional narratives and his own experiences. It is a challenging task to distinguish his fiction from the tapestry of his life. Against Nature, a companion volume to his earlier masterpiece, Against Art, delves into profound themes such as factory work, the labor of love, and the art of writing. Espedal explores the notion that work is a necessary prerequisite for living in conformity with society, yet questions whether this is inherently natural. He grapples with the allure of impossible things, including impossibly intense love, captivating books, mythical narratives, and taboos. As he immerses himself in the stories of figures like Abélard and Héloïse, young Marguerite Duras and her Chinese lover, he realizes that he, too, is embarking on a journey where he must choose to defy the forces of nature.

This literary masterpiece showcases Espedal's remarkable ability to convey profound ideas with a subtle and understated elegance. It resonates with readers who yearn for a fresh, unyielding realism, akin to a desert oasis. Die Zeit, in its review of the Norwegian edition, hailed Against Nature as a "masterpiece of literary understatement," praising its ability to captivate and satisfy those thirsting for a new and invigorating perspective on the world.

Through his poetic prose and captivating storytelling, Espedal invites us to explore the complexities of human existence, challenging us to question the norms and conventions that shape our lives. Against Nature serves as a testament to his talent as a writer, offering a profound and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition that will linger with readers long after they have turned the last page.

Dimension: 8 x 5 x 1 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803090535