Lars Gustafsson

Witty and engaging, Lars Gustafsson's writing is a unique combination of playful philosophizing on content and form. Sometimes it is difficult to find your footing if you are new to his writing, but once you do it can be quite thought provoking and entertaining.

Bernard Foy's Third Castling (Bernard Foys tredje rockad)

by Lars Gustafsson, Yvonne L. Sandstroem (Translator)

Please do not be offended that I include the following review from the Amazon.com site. This reader hits it right on the head -- I couldn't do any better myself. (besides it's nice to have someone else say that "it's worth while."):

Postmodern Masterpiece!, June 30, 2000
Reviewer: A reader from California, USA
"Consisting of three separate but interwoven stories, Bernard Foy's Third Castling is a fascinating and
complex work that questions traditional definitions of art--the novel is subtitled in the Table of
Contents as "A Detective Story and Reconstruction of Les fleurs du mal by Charles Baudelaire."
Each story contradicts the others, forcing the reader to question: Who is Bernard Foy? Who is
telling the story? And why do we, as readers, believe him? Not easily digested, but certainly worth
while, the novel is both entertaining and thought-provoking, forcing a reconsideration of traditional
systems of knowing and understanding the world."

Sigismund : From the Memories of a Baroque Polish Prince

by Lars Gustafsson, John Weinstock (Translator), Gustram H. Weber (Translator)

Even after reading Bernard Foy, Sigismund took me by surprise. Here Gustafsson pulls together seemingly unrelated fragments, combining the "author's" inner monologue, a narrative of a 1970's Berlin bicycle race and comic book inspired space invaders. What links these topics, Sigismund, of course. Who is Sigismund? The obvious answer is Sigismund III Vasa, the late 16th early 17th century King of Sweden and Poland whose efforts to permanently unite the two kingdoms ended in disaster. What does he have to do with a bicycle race (i.e., they pass by his grave), the aliens (also focused on the grave), and the author/narrator (who is Sigismund? Who is Gustafsson, one must ask!). If you are willing to let go of your preconceived notions of linear narrative tradition, then you are likely to enjoy the playfulness of the book. I enjoyed the Flash Gordon inspired comic strips!

Great Scandinavian Literature

Lars Gustafsson's Faculty Page at UT

Lars Gustafssons Hemsida -- på Svenska

Lars Gustafsson -- på Svenska

Review of The Tale of A Dog -- with links

Scandinavian Resources