Menn í mínari støðu
A year has passed since the Scandinavian Star accident in 1990 that killed most of Arvid’s family. Now, his wife Turið has left him, taking their daughters with her. A friend sent by Turið collects her belongings, mocking Arvid in the process. The house is empty.
Arvid is spiralling downwards. He is losing control of his own life and losing his girls. His evenings are spent in bars, often ending in the company of women that he doesn’t know. He is overwhelmed and at his wit’s end.
The downward spiral continues for a year. He has now hit rock bottom. His 12-year-old daughter is deeply affected by the situation. He is letting everyone down but doesn’t stop long enough to realise what is happening. One night, Turið calls him in tears, lost and alone. He goes to pick her up.
«Show, don't tell». Petterson’s atmospheric narrative speaks for itself without having to explain.
When Arvid occasionally does stop to think during this depressing year, the thoughts are scattered and chaotic, deeply affected by his downfall. The reader is compelled to activate and sharpen their empathy to understand the gravity of the situation and the pain it is causing.
Three warm and bright moments are in this story. They are in the second half and bring the story out of the darkness. How this is done, however, will not be disclosed here.