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Keeper of the Protocols (American University Studies Series I, Germanic Languages and Literature)

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Jens Bjorneboe, the Norwegian author who is the subject of Keeper of the Protocols, has unfortunately not yet crossed "the English barrier". There is a need, however, for the English-speaking world to be aware of his radical critiques of society and man's inhumanity to man. Martin's book chronicles Bjorneboe's entire writing career as well as introducing the biographical context of the works. Martin convincingly argues that Bjorneboe is not simply an intersting specimen of local color, but rather that "he was internationalist in almost every sense of the word. It might even be said that he was a writer without a language." Bjorneboe grew up under the spectre of Nazism, and one of the re-occuring themes in his works is the problem of evil. Even more important is one's personal response to that evil. One can face the evil and try to change things to a better way, or one can deny both the existence of the evil and the capacity for change. Bjorneboe's works often chronicle the latter response, and ironically force the reader into the position of the former. Even in Bjorneboe's depiction of cruelty there is at least some comic relief, and a sense of hope that comes from turning the spotlight of truth onto even the darkest corners of the human condition. Bjorneboe's entire oeuvre is being reprinted in Norway, where he continues to hold an almost cult-like status. The Sharks, his award-winning swan-song, is currently available in English, as are two of his plays. Keeper of the Protocols can serve as a welcome introduction and guide to Bjorneboe and his works for those not yet familiar with him. Not overly academic, it is accessible to the average educated reader and will open up an important new facet of world literature.