Literature and Fiction2018 · 336 pp
BIG FIVE
Erlend Loe
Five individuals – a dentist, a biologist, a film editor, an author and a police detective – feel attractions and inclinations without knowing where these come from.They undergo a process of radicalisation and eventually realise that if the world is to survive, someone needs to take a stand. Big Five is a story about powerlessness, activism, non-conformance, and unbridled passion.Erlend Loe excels throughout the novel with his laconic and good-humored storytelling. He parodies modern therapeutic and organizational language in a superb way. VG – FIVE OUT OF SIX STARS Erlend Loe knows what he is making fun of. The swinging between the crazy and the serious, between wise thoughts about conservationism and Africa tourism of the quant sort, leopard fetishism on the ferry to Denmark, sodomy on Kenyan soil, a guitar playing wife, a husband that turns gay, the loss of an arm, a leg, a life – it is all there in this Loe-ish circus of seriousness and nonsense. STAVANGER AFTENBLAD – FIVE OUT OF SIX STARS A splendid satire over misguided idealism and everyday life in the society of today. Erlend Loe is something as rare as a genuine humorist. Like all comical talents of this level, he builds his slapstick on a foundation of serious engagement. In his surrealist ingenuity, he sprinkles thought provoking points all around. DAGBLADET – FIVE OUT OF SIX STARS I have not laughed as much through three hundred pages – since the last book by Erlend Loe! ADRESSEAVISA – FIVE OUT OF SIX STARS In this book Loe shares exquisite humour, elegant irony and situation comedy, as well as an oblique glance at phenomenons of our time. It is great entertainment; intelligent and subtle humour the way that only Loe knows how to write. I think this book will be one of this years most notable books, when time comes to sum it all up at the end of the year. DAG OG TID Erlend Loe’s new novel, BIG FIVE, might have hit a debate that is too painful for us to want to talk about it. The book is characterised by Loe’s wry observation and language skills, and is very funny.DAGENS NÆRINGSLIV Loe´s humour and original way to look at human characteristics are very much present in this novel. NRK
