Hey
One of the authors I wanna get into in 2026 is Jon Fosse. I’ve heard about his background and his style. And I feel like that’s something I wanna try haha
In the end, I have no idea where to start from. How would you start? What’s the best way to read his books? Any recommendation?
I did a deep dive into Fosse this year and loved every page of it!
Aliss at the Fire is short and a great representation of his style.
That’s what I wanna do in 2026 What is your overall review when it comes to Fosse? How was your journey? How did you start?
I started with Arliss at the Fire. Most recently finished Septology which I would say is his masterpiece. I’m currently reading his new release, Vaim. I’ve read all his English translated prose except for Melancholy and Boathouse. I plan to dive into his plays next. I also read a collection of his essays.
Fosse’s style is unique but not particularly dense or difficult, utilizing a lot of repetition in his cadence. Whether in first or third person, the narration feels like stream of consciousness with character’s thoughts often jumping between past and present. A lot of emphasis on memory, Identity, and duality of the self.
He’s certainly found a place in my personal canon of favorite authors after this past year.
I think you should start with Trilogy. It’s very representative of his style, it’s a masterpiece, and contrary to the title it’s a very short book (three books but roughly 100 pages altogether). If you love it, move on to Septology.
And should I read some of his novellas or so before? Or start with this trilogy?
The trilogy are three novellas you could say. It’s my recommended starting point. I think it will give you a very clear indication if you like his writing or not. And if you do, you basically can’t go wrong with him - read what you find. I have yet to be disappointed.
Wow thank you sooooo much. I’ll start with the trilogy as you said
I started with Septology and I loved it.
I read Vaim in a day. I would recommend as a starting point. In his signature style and a quick read.
Let us know if you find something you love. I read A Shining earlier this year but didn't really like it. I've heard good things about Trilogy like others have recommended here.
Sure I’ll do this. Should I make a new post when I find it or do you want me to answer your post here?
Here works!
As already stated, Trilogy is a great start. I personally also especially love Morning and Evening and recommend it wholeheartedly.
How did you all come to know him and want to try his works? (just curious)
And has his prose anything peculiar? (not saying it must have to be interesting)
Can’t speak for everyone else, but he popped up in book 5 of Knausgård’s My Struggle series as a teacher at the writing academy Knausgård went to. Figured if I liked that style of writing I might as well like Fosse’s. I’ve only recently acquired Septology (it was the only one I could find in my area) and plan on checking out some more on Libby, so I can’t speak to the quality of his writing just yet
I just finished Septology and I was mixed on it. I’ll probably try one more of his books.
I’ve only read Aliss at the Fire. It was great. very short book, which for me is a nice way to start since the commitment is low.