The Birds by Tarjei Vesaas
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A paean to the solace and power of nature, and a sensitive exploration of what we now recognize as neurodivergence
“The best Norwegian novel ever. . . absolutely wonderful, and so moving. . . amongst the great classics from the last century” — Karl Ove Knausgaard
“The best Norwegian novel ever. . . absolutely wonderful, and so moving. . . amongst the great classics from the last century” — Karl Ove Knausgaard
Mattis lives on an isolated lake with his sister Hege. He always has, and always will—he’s never been able to function properly in the outside world, and it’s Hege who makes sure that they have enough to eat and protects Mattis from outsiders’ lack of understanding. He’s happy in their small world, communing with the birds and watching the seasons pass.
But he’s worried that Hege—whose hair is going grey, and whose youth has passed taking care of him—isn’t as content. An attempt by Mattis to make them a bit more money by ferrying passengers in his boat opens their home to a stranger, with whom Hege begins an affair. Mattis, perturbed and fearful that his sister’s protection may soon be withdrawn, makes plans to put everything back the way it was—but the tragic consequences fall on his own head.
Written from the perspective of an adult with autism, the book delicately tells us everything that Mattis cannot grasp, without ever betraying the vulnerability and intensity with which he tries to make sense of his world.
But he’s worried that Hege—whose hair is going grey, and whose youth has passed taking care of him—isn’t as content. An attempt by Mattis to make them a bit more money by ferrying passengers in his boat opens their home to a stranger, with whom Hege begins an affair. Mattis, perturbed and fearful that his sister’s protection may soon be withdrawn, makes plans to put everything back the way it was—but the tragic consequences fall on his own head.
Written from the perspective of an adult with autism, the book delicately tells us everything that Mattis cannot grasp, without ever betraying the vulnerability and intensity with which he tries to make sense of his world.