Summary of The Half Brother
“The Half Brother” is a family chronicle spanning four generations of a Norwegian family in Oslo during the second half of the 20th century. At its heart is the close but difficult relationship between the half-brothers Barnum and Fred, who are raised by three strong women: their mother Vera, grandmother Boletta, and great-grandmother Ellen.
Reasons to read The Half Brother
“The Half Brother” is a richly layered family saga with elements of mystery and illusion, widely considered a contemporary classic of Scandinavian literature. With its intricate plot, broad cast of characters, and interwoven storylines, it is a challenging but rewarding read. Lars Saabye Christensen, a Norwegian – Danish author, received many literary awards for “The Half Brother”, including the Nordic Council’s Literature Prize (2002), the Brage Prize (2001), and the Norwegian Booksellers’ Prize (2001). The novel was adapted into a Norwegian television series that premiered in 2013.
Setting: Oslo – Fagerborg district, Kirkeveien (Norway)
Original title: Halvbroren
Year of publication: 2001
Nr of pages: 688
