AshehougAgency

The Absence of Music

The Absence of Music is a candid yet mysterious novel about the power of memory and discernment, in which the various stories and lapses in memory form associative links between the past and present, between father and son, between woman and man. The Absence of Music is also a novel about personal development where the irreconcilable may exist alongside the indulgent.

The Absence of Music is a novel about losing and re-establishing one’s identity in a universe where nothing is ever completely certain.

Click here for English sample translation.

Praise for The Absence of Music:

“In a unique way, this book embodies both deep reflection and a poetic, distinctive language”
(Dagsavisen)

“Beautiful and reflected journey of remembrance induced by death”
(Dagbladet)

”You read with a smile on your lips and a joyous lump of recognition in your throat. At its best, this is pure literature, literary music. You might as well just surrender!” (VG)

”For thoughtful souls … it is all beautifully portrayed and encourages reflection … a profound and well-written novel.”
(Universitas)

”After over twenty years as a writer, Christiansen has built a stubbornness and wilfulness that has an exceptional outcome. The Absence of Music is created with the awareness of entering a demanding essayistic tradition of novels. Christiansen renews it with poetic devices.”
(Klassekampen)

”A pleasure to read. Beautiful and varied novelistic mosaic.”
(Bergenes Tidende)

”Pure, strong, beautiful”
(Aftenposten)

”Philosophical ghost-story, magnificently written … an uniquely wise and gifted book …”
(Stavanger Aftenblad)

”Exceptional balance between cognition and reflection, linguistically so elegant, you catch yourself listening for celestial music at the end of each chapter”
(Fredrikstad Blad)

”It seems clear that this novel will stand as one of this year’s highlights”
(Hamar Arbeiderblad)

First published: 2007, Forlaget Oktober
Rune Christiansen: Biography and bibliography