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Courtney Bender,Jeremy Biles,Liane Carlson,Joshua Dubler,Hannah C. Garvey,M. Cooper Harriss,Winnifred Fallers Sullivan,Dr. Erik Thorstensen

The Abyss or Life Is Simple: Reading Knausgaard Writing Religion

The Abyss or Life Is Simple: Reading Knausgaard Writing Religion

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  • More about The Abyss or Life Is Simple: Reading Knausgaard Writing Religion


Karl Ove Knausgaard's My Struggle is a six-volume novel published in Norwegian between 2009 and 2011. In 2015, a group of scholars began meeting to discuss the peculiarly religious qualities of the novel. The Abyss or Life Is Simple is the culmination of this collective endeavor, a collection of interlocking essays on ritual, beauty, and the end of the world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2022
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press


Min kamp, often referred to as My Struggle, is a remarkable six-volume novel written by Karl Ove Knausgaard and widely recognized as one of the most significant literary achievements of the young twenty-first century. Originally published in Norwegian between 2009 and 2011, the novel offers an engrossing first-person narrative that delves into the life of a writer bearing the same name as the author, situated in a world that is simultaneously disillusioned and thoroughly enchanting.

In 2015, a group of scholars gathered to explore the distinctly religious aspects of My Struggle. Some were intrigued by Knausgaard's explicit focus on religious subjects and artworks, while others were drawn to his more subtle exploration of the religiousness of contemporary life. The group pondered the profound implications of reading these religious textures within these volumes, regarding their times, writing, and personal selves.

The culmination of this collective endeavor is The Abyss or Life Is Simple, a captivating collection of interlocking essays that delve into ritual, beauty, and the impending end of the world. These essays offer insightful perspectives and interpretations, shedding light on the profound connections between religion, literature, and the human experience. Through their thoughtful and engaging contributions, the scholars have contributed to a deeper understanding of Knausgaard's work and its relevance to our contemporary world.

Weight: 316g
Dimension: 153 x 227 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226821344

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