Elling: A Novel [Paperback]

Ingvar Ambjornsen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 9, 2007

ELLING is the endearing and hilarious story of two outsiders struggling to come to terms with the real world. Recently released from a mental hospital, Elling (shy, neurotic, plagued by a wildly overactive imagination) and his best friend Kjell Barnes (big, dim, fundamentally opposed to changing his underwear) share an apartment in Oslo and quickly find themselves overwhelmed by a pregnant neighbor, their demanding caseworker, and the ringing telephone. Sweet, sarcastic, and moving all at the same time, the original Norwegian novel was adapted into an Oscar-nominated film.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A pair of odd-couple bachelors discharged from a mental asylum set up an unusual household in this heartening work by Norwegian novelist Ambjørnsen. It's carried by the winning voice of Elling, the neat, cultured, phobic member of the duo, who had a breakdown after the death of his beloved mother and now has to re-enter the world with only husky, sloppy roommate Kjell Bjarne by his side. The two move into a spacious Oslo apartment thanks to the official support of their meddlesome social worker, Frank. Settling in, the two gradually come out of their shells, adopting two eight-week-old kittens, frequenting a local restaurant and rescuing a drunk, pregnant woman—all with very funny commentary and consequences. Elling makes a new friend in the aged poet Alphonse Jørgensen, a baby is born, a poem is published, and before they know it the two men are really living in this madcap recovery adventure. (Nov.)
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About the Author

One of the most critically and commercially successful contemporary Norwegian authors, INGVAR AMBJØRNSEN has written 18 novels and three collections of short stories, as well as several books for children and youth. The recipient of many literary awards, including the prestigious Brage Prize (1995), he currently lives in Hamburg with his German wife and translator, Gabriele Haefs.

Product Details

• Paperback: 294 pages
• Publisher: MacAdam/Cage (November 9, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596922559
• ISBN-13: 978-1596922556
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,718,933 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Norwegian Odd-couple, February 5, 2008

By 

Bromptonboy "Bromptonboy" (Doylestown, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Elling (Paperback)

I had actually seen the movie version of this book first - which I enjoyed so much that I decided to round back and read the book.
What a delight it was to read. Several times I would laugh out loud at Elling's prim - prudish views of the world around him, and his commentary on the state of the Norwegian Welfare State.

Elling and his roomie Kjel-Barnje have just left 1-year of inpatient psychriatric care behind themselves, and are being giving the opportunity to live in a flat provided by the Oslo city council - under the watchful eye of their social worker Frank. Frank guides Elling and K-B as they introduce themselves to society. Step by careful step they both start to overcome their fears.

Both men make huge strides in finding themselves and their places in society - finding romance, and friendship. This is a gentle treatment of 2 men suffering from emotional problems - it handles them with great maturity, kindess, and with wit.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Funny and moving: wish more of his books were translated into English!, June 25, 2010

By 

Pam Mullaney (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Elling: A Novel (Paperback)

I found this book entirely by accident in my local library.

The tale of Elling and Kvell-Bjarne's gradual entrance into non-institutionalized society merges the genres of farce, buddy film, and bildungsroman with great humor, charm, and sense of place. Beautifully paced. Translation excellent.

I am usually too lazy to review books, but I'm reviewing this one in the hope that more of Ambjornsen's Elling books (I think there are 4 altogether) will be translated into English.