Top 11 Jon Fosse Books

Jennifer Thomas
10 min readJul 13, 2024

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Get ready to immerse yourself in the mesmerizing world of Jon Fosse Books. This captivating collection features the best works of one of Norway’s most celebrated authors, delving into themes of human connection, love, and existentialism. Join us as we explore the profound and enchanting stories that Jon Fosse has shared with the world, promising an experience that will leave you reflecting and yearning for more.

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1. Aliss at the Fire (Norwegian Literature Series)

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Aliss at the Fire, by celebrated Norwegian author Jon Fosse, is a haunting and unforgettable literary experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional storytelling. This masterpiece, aptly described as a “visionary masterpiece” by critics and scholars alike, has earned its author the title of “the new Ibsen, “ referring to the renowned Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen.

Set in a small, isolated Norwegian village, Aliss at the Fire weaves together a complex tapestry of human emotion, passion, and the inexorable pull of fate. Through Fosse’s deft and evocative prose, readers are transported to an enigmatic world where ancient traditions clash with the harsh realities of the modern age. Here, the past and present intertwine, revealing the hidden secrets and unspoken desires that lie at the heart of every human story.

At its core, Aliss at the Fire is an exploration of the human condition, examining the fragility and resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable adversity. As the characters navigate the treacherous waters of relationships, desire, and identity, they are forced to confront the darkest aspects of their own psyche, ultimately revealing the true nature of love and loss.

This groundbreaking work, part of the prestigious Dalkey Archive Press Norwegian Literature Series, is not to be missed by readers seeking a fresh and compelling perspective on life, love, and the unending quest for meaning. With only 122 pages, Aliss at the Fire packs a powerful punch, leaving readers to ponder its haunting and poignant themes long after the final page has been turned.

  • Authors: Jon Fosse
  • Publisher: Dalkey Archive Press
  • Published Date: September 16, 2010
  • Page Count: 122
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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2. The Inspector and Silence

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An Inspector Van Veeteren Mystery (5)

The Inspector and Silence is the fifth installment of the gripping Inspector Van Veeteren Mysteries by Håkan Nesser. Set in a blistering Swedish summer, Chief Inspector Van Veeteren is taking a much-needed holiday when he is called to investigate a suspicious religious sect. Upon arriving, he discovers the gruesome murder of a teenage girl, with no leads or witnesses willing to speak out. As the sect members remain silent, Van Veeteren and his team are left with only an anonymous tipster’s knowledge to rely on.

As the case takes a sinister turn, with a string of horrifying, seemingly unrelated crimes occurring, the identity of the mysterious woman and the secrets she holds remain enigmatic. This enthralling addition to Nesser’s series is a masterclass in suspense and intrigue, as readers are drawn into a chilling investigation filled with unexpected twists and turns. For those who love a good mystery with a touch of the eerie, The Inspector and Silence is not to be missed. With a page count of 336 and published by Vintage Crime/Black Lizard, this book is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat.

  • Authors: Hakan Nesser
  • Publisher: Vintage Crime/Black Lizard
  • Published Date: June 14, 2011
  • Page Count: 336
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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3. I Am The Wind

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“I Am The Wind” takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the open seas and the bonds that hold two men together. Amidst the rising winds, the dangerous fog, and the threatening swell of the sea, the two embark on an odyssey into the unknown.

Award-winning author Jon Fosse, known for his plays, novels, and poetry, expertly crafts this gripping tale, capturing the essence of human connections and the courage it takes to push boundaries. With a page count of 76 and published by renowned publisher Bloomsbury, “I Am The Wind” offers a compelling exploration of drama that is sure to captivate and inspire.

  • Authors: Jon Fosse
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published Date: July 31, 2012
  • Page Count: 76
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Drama
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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4. Fosse

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Fosse is a riveting biography by acclaimed pop culture historian Sam Wasson that explores the remarkable life and career of the legendary dancer, choreographer, screenwriter, and director. Delving deep into the multifaceted reality of Bob Fosse, this engaging and insightful account illustrates not only the numerous reinventions and transformations Fosse underwent throughout his life but also his prodigious professional achievements. From his illustrious and award-winning career in Broadway and film to his often complicated and tumultuous relationships with celebrities and loved ones, Wasson’s captivating portrayal leaves no stone unturned.

This fascinating read delves into the extraordinary life of an artistic genius while also shedding light on the man behind the legend.

  • Authors: Sam Wasson
  • Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
  • Published Date: April 15, 2013
  • Page Count: 757
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Biography & Autobiography
  • Average Rating: 4.0
  • Ratings Count: 1.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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5. John the Posthumous

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“John the Posthumous” by Jason Schwartz is a mesmerizing literary masterpiece that traverses the boundaries of fiction and poetry with an intensity rarely seen. Set in a pre-Internet world, this novella weaves together an intricate tapestry of marriage, adultery, and the often-harrowing realities of life.

With its unique blend of elegy and history, “John the Posthumous” tells the tale of a murder, or perhaps two, through an interlocking set of fictional histories. The book features a hauntingly beautiful depiction of familiar themes, including violence, betrayal, and failure, with equally original and startling imagery.

With an average page count of 148 and published by OR Books in 2013, “John the Posthumous” is a must-read for lovers of literary fiction. “.

  • Authors: Jason Schwartz
  • Publisher: OR Books
  • Published Date: August 01, 2013
  • Page Count: 148
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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6. Spaceman of Bohemia

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Prepare for an extraordinary cosmic journey filled with love, ambition, and self-discovery with Spaceman of Bohemia, a breathtaking tale by Jaroslav Kalfar. Embark on the thrilling story of Jakub Prochv°zka, a boy who, once an orphan, becomes the Czech Republic’s first astronaut.

Fueled by a desire for redemption and a quest to be a hero, Jakub embarks on a perilous solo mission to Venus. However, he finds himself stranded in deep space accompanied by a possibly imaginary colossal alien spider. Together, they engage in profound discussions about love, life, and death. As time passes, their bond strengthens, proving to be both intense and emotional. But can their connection guide Jakub through his confrontation with clandestine Russian adversaries and the tumultuous path back to Earth?

Spaceman of Bohemia offers a thrilling, heartfelt read that delicately weaves profoundness, suspense, and pure joy, giving readers an unforgettable, captivating odyssey they’ll be excited to revisit.

  • Authors: Jaroslav Kalfar
  • Publisher: Little, Brown
  • Published Date: March 07, 2017
  • Page Count: 233
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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7. Scenes from a Childhood

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Scenes from a Childhood is a chilling exploration into the human psyche, penned by the esteemed Norwegian author, Jon Fosse. Delving into the depths of childhood memories, each story in this haunting collection uncovers the hidden truths and dark realities lurking beneath the surface. With stunning prose and unflinching honesty, Fosse explores the complexities of human relationships, family dynamics, and the impact of our past on our present.

This unforgettable collection of stories will leave you questioning the boundaries between reality and fiction, as you navigate the intricate webs that bind us all. Prepare yourself for an intimate and harrowing journey, as you uncover the hidden truths in Scenes from a Childhood.

  • Authors: Jon Fosse
  • Published Date: April 15, 2018
  • Page Count: 153
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: FICTION
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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8. The Other Name

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Septology I-II

The Other Name is a profound and moving novel, the second installment in the highly anticipated Septology series by acclaimed author Jon Fosse. His powerful storytelling unfolds a deeply emotional narrative that delves into the world of unlived lives, offering readers an elegiac meditation on the human experience.

Set against the backdrop of Scenes from a Childhood, this captivating book invites readers to explore the intricacies of the human soul, as the characters confront their darkest fears and desires. Fosse masterfully interweaves themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning, creating an unforgettable literary journey that will leave a lasting impression.

The Other Name is a testament to Fosse’s remarkable storytelling abilities and his unwavering dedication to his craft. With engaging prose that captures the heart and the mind, this 340-page masterpiece promises to be a thrilling and thought-provoking addition to any reader’s library.

Do not miss the opportunity to dive into the captivating world of Jon Fosse’s The Other Name, where the unlived lives of his characters intertwine to create a deeply moving and unforgettable tale.

  • Authors: Jon Fosse
  • Published Date: February 25, 2020
  • Page Count: 340
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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9. I Is Another

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Septology III-V

“I Is Another” is a thought-provoking entry in the celebrated Norwegian writer Jon Fosse’s three-volume Septology series. This masterfully penned literary work takes the reader on a journey through the lives of an aging painter and his doppelganger, as their paths converge and diverge in an elegant meditation on the unlived lives we often ponder.

In this second book of the Septology, Fosse delves deep into the complexities of the human psyche, questioning the very essence of subjectivity and the self. By asking what makes us who we are, and why we lead one life rather than another, Fosse’s evocative narrative presents readers with a captivating exploration of the choices we make and the paths we choose not to take.

With a page count of 330, “I Is Another” is a compelling and insightful addition to the Fiction category, offering a mesmerizing read for lovers of thought-provoking literature. Published in 2021, this timeless work invites readers to reflect on their own lives and the unlived paths that may have been, all the while immersing themselves in the beautifully crafted world of the aging painter and his enigmatic doppelganger.

  • Authors: Jon Fosse
  • Published Date: March 02, 2021
  • Page Count: 330
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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10. To Write as if Already Dead

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In “To Write as if Already Dead, “ Kate Zambreno delves into the complexities of friendship, solitude, and mortality, through her exploration of the works of Hervé Guibert. This literary experimentation takes the form of a novella in the style of a detective story, searching for the mysterious disappearance of an online friendship.

The second half of the book is a notebook that delves into the history of two intertwined bodies amid another historical plague, revealing the profound impact of Guibert’s work on the modern literary world. In asking the age-old question, “What is an author? “, Zambreno provides a fresh perspective on identity in the digital age, as well as the ethics of friendship and the human experience.

With its unique narrative structure and engaging exploration of the human condition, “To Write as if Already Dead” is a captivating read that pushes the boundaries of literary critique.

  • Authors: Kate Zambreno
  • Publisher: Columbia University Press
  • Published Date: June 08, 2021
  • Page Count: 185
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Literary Criticism
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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11. The Secret Service

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In 1992, Wendy Walker’s captivating novel, The Secret Service, unfolds in an intriguing alternate 19th-century England. King Edward, a young ruler, prepares to marry his beloved as his Secret Service unveils a nefarious plan: a trio of Continental nobles, passionate connoisseurs of the arts, are determined to launch an attack on the royal couple. To avert disaster, the Secret Service devises a groundbreaking technology — their agents can masquerade as treasured objects to unobtrusively observe their enemies.

As the thrilling narrative unfolds, Polly, the protagonist, is sent abroad as a crystal goblet, while her male colleagues disguise themselves as a rose bush and a bronze statue. This perilous and unconventional mission leads them to discover the devastating scope of the villains’ intentions.

With 476 pages of suspense and mystery, The Secret Service is a compelling journey into an alternate realm. Get ready to embark on this unforgettable adventure!

  • Authors: Wendy Walker
  • Publisher: Tough Poets Press
  • Published Date: November 08, 2021
  • Page Count: 476
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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