A Glimpse into the Frozen Heartland
Tales from the perpetually snow-covered region where the snowfall has already occurred
Delve into the frigid borderlands of Skogli, where nights before Christmas stretch an astonishing 13 hours, further compounded by the ethereal beauty of an aurora and a prolonged twilight. These mesmerizing details set the stage for "The Long Winter" by Dan Kaspersen—a captivating narrative first published in 2004 and now translated into Italian. This chilling tale mirrors the oppressive Nordic cold and hostility, as our protagonist embarks on a journey into the shadows in search of redemption.
Shortly after serving time for drug trafficking, Kaspersen learns of his brother Jakob's suicide. Plagued by rumors from his fellow villagers and tormented by questions about Jakob's death, Dan is thrust into a soul-searching quest. Jakob was the epitome of strength, confidence, and respect—cultivating the family's ancestral farm like a modern-day saint. He was the embodiment of the virtuous, the beloved, while Dark Dan symbolized weakness, instability, and precariousness. The lone survivor of a long line of family tragedies, Dan wrestles with the inexplicable nature of his own survival, questioning the reason for his existence.
Biblical tales, once relegated to the realm of antiquity, become mundane in Levi Henriksen's prose, taking on the identities and narratives of a remote Norwegian county. Pub tales, cryptic conceptions, and sparse moments of brilliance compose the symphony of this ode to the intricate beauty of small things, an homage to the profound tradition of Norwegian literature, from the lyrical poetry of Rolf Jacobsen to "Norwegian Blues," also by Henriksen.
With only a few instrumental components, "It will snow where it has already snowed" weaves a tangled web of mystery and initiation, infused with local flavor and universal significance. Dogged by his old partner-in-crime Kristian and his self-destructive twin sister Kristine, Dan trudges through the depths of night, chased by his own demons and seeking solace in the world.
Henriksen masterfully interlaces the divine with the mundane, juxtaposing Pentecostal hymns with Ramones citations, humor, and introspection to create the complex counterpoint of a soul navigating the intricacies of self and the world.
As we ponder the enigmas that antagonize our sleep, death, faith, and life emerge as confounding enigmas. Albert Camus posited that suicide is the only genuine philosophical question, since all other questions hinge on its answer. Thus, Jakob's mysterious demise becomes, in Dan's consciousness, the focal point of an unfathomable puzzle, a nexus where light and darkness merge.
Mona Steinmyra, a fiery-haired lover, the quintessential Jungian Anima, serves as the conduit for the promise of a renewed life, encompassing every aspect of it. However, it seems untenable to remain in Skogli, where "something should have been different" while everything "remained the same." Kristian's influence and the townsfolk's prejudices force Dan to make a decision that may very well be the ultimate act of farewell for one who has chosen eternal flight.
Science plays a crucial role in understanding the harsh weather of Skogli, as environmental-science and climate-change studies can provide insights into the extended winters and auroras that are prominent features of the region. The weather in Skogli, as described in 'The Long Winter' and 'It will snow where it has snowed', is not just a backdrop but a character in its own right, reflecting the struggles and transformations of the protagonists.
