Visit at Ekely
Haavardsholm, Espen: Besøk på EkelyA compelling drama about art, unspeakable desires and one of the world's most famous painters - set in Oslo during WW2.
Spring 1942: Norway is at war, and the old painter, Edvard Munch, suspicious by nature, and suffering from bronchitis, awakes from his winter hibernation. Spring brings the 23 year old law student, Doffy, to visit Mr. M., and she offers to model for him. In this way, creative and dangerous powers are awoken in the wearied gentleman of Ekely, this summer – for the last time.
The factual basis of the narrative is partially from known and available aspects of Munch’s biography, partially the author’s secret. In a curious way the author’s own biography is tied to the material, which adds another layer or two to the events depicted here, and to the relationship between fiction and truth.
Praise for VISIT AT EKELY:
“Espen Haavardsholm draws a vivid portrait of Edvard Munch’s final year … the book flows easily … a captivating depiction both of young people and their emotional lives, and of old age and the feelings that still don’t disappear with the years”
(Dagens Næringsliv)
“It’s Espen Haavardsholm’s unstrained, flowing and thoughtful style that make the novel Visit to Ekely a great read … a convincing story of life and art, and about the resigned and shameable erotic desire of old age. Espen Haavardsholm describes the meeting between the young, open-hearted Doffy and the 78 year old painter with impressive alertness various frames of mind and a sharp eye for details … Espen Haavardsholm draws a fine portrait of the times … an unusually readable and very entertaining novel of old age and creative powers”
(Dagsavisen)
“a vibrant portrait of the artist”
(VG)
First published: 2011, Forlaget Oktober
Espen Haavardsholm: Biography and bibliography
