Customer Reviews

Stella Descending: A Novel

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I read and loved Before You Sleep five years ago and I cannot believe that I waited this long to read another Linn Ullmann novel. The Scandinavian author is known for writing strange, imaginative literature with a great deal of magic realism. Her novels are more fables than anything else. She has once again floored me with Stella Descending. This dark story set in Oslo, Norway, centers on the mystery surrounding a married couple. Martin and Stella are on a rooftop where she plummets to her death. No one knows how it happened. Did she lose her footing, or did her husband kill her? Further speculations begin. Were Martin and Stella happy? How do their children feel about their parents? Martin is quite an enigmatic individual. He neither admits fault nor defends himself against the allegations. What transpires is a disarming story that centers on marriage, family and fidelity (or lack thereof). There are a lot of twists in this novel.

Linn Ullmann uses different kinds of narrative throughout the novel. Even Stella narrates part of the novel after her death. Not only is the story told in various points of view, there are several stories within the story, fables as such, and has some rather bizarre magic realism and disarming erotica to boot. She did this with Before You Sleep, and it can be quite confusing if you don't follow the story. But that is what I love about this author. Ms. Ullmann writes with beautiful, stark prose. Her novels have a mixture of brutal truth and confounded metaphors. She is like Amanda Filipacchi in that she writes obscure, complex stories with magical realism and dark humor in the mix. This novel is though provoking to the max -- one that you will think about for days to come. I for one have placed this in my re-read pile. Are you in the bargain for a deep, literary read? I recommend Stella Descending.

Linn Ullmann seems to have a great talent for character development, and Stella Descending survives on that talent. The psychology of Stella, and the psychological testimonies of those who surround her and affect her eventual, final fate provide for a captivating, well-executed mystery-esque novel. Slightly reminiscent of "Smilla's Sense of Snow," but with more personal intrigue than physical adventure. An enjoyable read; great for one sitting.