Keeper of the Protocols: The Works of Jens
Bjørneboe in the Crosscurrents of Western Literature
From the publisher
Comments by John Fuegi and Marvin Carlson
Review by Alison Lewis
Excerpts
This book illuminates the work of one of Norway's dominant post-war literary figures. Jens Bjørneboe is seen as a consciously European writer, and the book traces the influence and congruence in his works with other European writers and thinkers of international stature: Kafka, Strindberg, Brecht, Sartre, Camus, and Conrad. This book also traces Bjørneboe's trajectory as a former painter with highly esthetic concerns, to his most lasting literary works, which balance an existential and mystic view with social engagement. From the young poet in the thrall of Rilkean poetics, the discussion moves through his "History of Bestiality" novel trilogy and his last works an assault on Western culture from a peculiarly European perspective.
"For those as yet unfamiliar with the extraordinary writings, novels, plays, essays, and poetry of Jens Bjørneboe, Joe Martin's Keeper of the Protocols will come as an eye-opener. To those who know Bjørneboe already, their understanding will be enriched by this sophisticated yet beautifully accessible book." —John Fuegi, Author of Brecht & Co.
"Joe Martin's comprehensive study of the work of Jens Bjørneboe makes a convincing case for Bjørneboe's place among that small company of twentieth-century authors who have dealt in fundamental, searching, and innovative ways, with the most profound moral and ethical questions of this troubled century." —Professor Marvin Carlson, Graduate Center, City University of New York
A good introduction to an important, overlooked author. JensBjørneboe, 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 Bjørneboe's entire writing career as well as introducing the biographical context of the works. Martin convincingly argues that Bjørneboe is not simply an interesting 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."
Bjørneboe grew up under the spectre of Nazism, and one of the recurring 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. Bjørneboe's works often chronicle the latter response, and ironically force the reader into the position of the former. Even in Bjørneboe'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.
Bjørneboe'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 Bjørneboe 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.