Literature and Fiction · Hardback

Unkissed Shoes

Norwegian title: Ukyssede sko

Arild Stavrum

The year is 1937. Albert Svendsvik is twenty-two years old and works at the clipfish quay in Kristiansund. His girlfriend, Emilie, does the same. More than anything, Albert is a wrestler, and the Workers' Olympics in Antwerp is his goal. But Albert's coach has gone to Spain, where a bloody civil war is being fought. Europe is at a breaking point, and so is Albert. He feels like a loser both on and off the wrestling mat; he's tormented by thoughts of Emilie, and jealousy is taking over. Albert must push himself to the extreme and risk his life for what he wants to achieve.

Unkissed Shoes is a compelling historical novel about sport, class, jealousy, and love.