50 pages 1 hour read

Per Petterson, Transl. Anne Born

Out Stealing Horses

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson and translated by Anne Born, follows the reflections of Trond Sander as he reminisces about his life and confronts his aging and mortality. Set in 1999 in rural eastern Norway, the narrative shifts between Trond's present and the pivotal summer of 1948, highlighting themes of nature, solitude, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences and history. The book includes depictions of Nazi persecution and the accidental death of a child.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Per Petterson's Out Stealing Horses (trans. Anne Born) garners acclaim for its poetic prose and vivid depictions of Norwegian landscapes, enriching its meditation on memory and loss. While praised for its emotional depth and nuanced characters, some critics note a slow narrative pace as a drawback. Overall, it’s a reflective and beautifully crafted novel.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Out Stealing Horses?

A reader who enjoys Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson, translated by Anne Born, would appreciate introspective narratives and poignant reflections on the past. Fans of The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro or My Struggle series by Karl Ove Knausgård may find similar thematic resonance and stylistic appeal.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Scandinavian Literature

Modern Classic Fiction

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Memory

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Life/Time: Mortality & Death