My Norwegian review of Thomas Sullivan's excellent novel "Second Soul" is now published in the Norwegian publication ABC Nyheter. Read my full review in Norwegian here."Second Soul" is a novel with special relevance for Norwegian readers. The starting point of the story is based on Anna Bågenholm's near-fatal ski accident in Narvik in 1999. Bågenholm, an experienced cross country skier, was skiing downhill from Mørkhola on her Telemark skis as she slid down a steep icy gully and ended up submerged head first in a hole in the ice in a 56 degree (Fahrenheit) stream for more than 80 minutes. She was clinically dead but was miraculously saved by a team of doctors lead by Mads Gilbert at Tromsø University Hospital.
Thomas Sullivan transposed this event to an American setting in "Second Soul". The main character Michael Carmichael, the Waterfall Man, is skiing outside Sheshebans in Minnesota as he loses control and skies into an ice cold waterfall. From this starting point Thomas Sullivan developes his own story full of drama, psychology and action. Key to the the drama is the text of Ecclesiastes 3:21: "Who knows whether the spirit of man goes upward and the spirit of the beast goes down into the earth? (The Book of Ecclesiastes, The Old Testament).
His lively description of skiing techniques and styles as well as snow conditions is a treat. I strongly recommend the book.
His lively description of skiing techniques and styles as well as snow conditions is a treat. I strongly recommend the book.
5 comments:
Most appreciative of your review, Jan, and for strengethening my link to Norway, a country which shimmers in the mist of my fantasies for its cultures and its passion for winter. You've also acquainted me with facts I had not read in the international press about the real-life accident that underpins SECOND SOUL. Thanks for all of that, and my very best wishes to you and your readers...
-- Sully
We'll be looking forward to your account of his visit, cross-country skiing being the primary activity, no doubt. Will it be a case of who wrecks whom? And, of course, I'm always interested in the food. Will lutefisk be on the menu? None for me, thanks; but I will have a heaping helping of cloudberries! And soup.
Thank you, Sully and Jean! Skiing and literature is such a fine combination, and we all look forward to the Nordic World Ski Championships 2011 in Oslo, - a superb timing for a lit seminar. Your Beef Stew in Red Wine recipe would fit nicely, I think. Jan Fredrik
Hi Jan, with winter snows finally falling in the ski fields here... you've inspired me with your great review of Sully's book 'Second Soul' to purchase a copy and take it up the snow. After a day of skinny skiing, I'll sit back in front of the fire and enjoy the Sully adventure. So thanks for reviewing and sharing. You've added life enhancing value to my life thereby :-)
best wishes, Grant
Thank you for your comment, Grant. I must admit that skiing is quite far from my mind right now with summer finally here. I enjoy the sun as much as I can and thereby motivating myself for another great winter season. Best wishes, Jan Fredrik
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