This was my first time trying Fosse’s writing and I’ve since come to find out that he typically writes character driven, reflective books. This isn’t the type of book that I always gravitate toward, but the type that I really enjoy when it’s done well. 

Our main character, Johannes is likable enough. We follow him as he sort of slogs through his days. It seems that as he’s aging and having lost his wife, he no longer feels any real purpose to living. I know this can be a common issue with elderly people, so I applaud Fosse for capturing it so effectively. The loneliness really radiates off the page. 

There isn’t much in the way of plot, at least not until the twist at the end is revealed. Then you realize that there was something happening beside just an older man reflecting. I thought that was a cool trick.

That said, it was the sort of book I admire, but also find myself getting restless with. It’s very gray and dreary. And I just wish I had gotten to know a bit more about the MC and what he was like before this apathy overtook him. 

If you are a fan of slow-paced, character driven novels that muse on the human condition, perhaps you will enjoy this one.