Friday, April 26, 2019

Book Review - Inadvertent by Karl Ove Knausgaard

Inadvertent - Why I Write by Karl Ove Knausgaard is from a lecture he gave in 2017. It's been translated from the Norwegian, and gives fascinating insight into a unique artist. I've read two of his books so far -  Autumn and Winter and his writing is deep, edgy, and very personal.

It's one thing to know something, another to write about it

p. 51  in my heart of hearts I knew that I was neither a writer nor an artist, I knew I didn't have what it takes. That I kept on trying anyway at times filled me with burning shame and despair, because it was so obviously a lie I told myself to maintain my sense of self. 

p.60  on reading - all I wanted was to be in that other world, on the other side

p.81  This was writing. To lose sight of yourself, and yet to use yourself, or that part of yourself that was beyond the control of your ego.

This short book is large in the sense of heart and wisdom.

8 comments:

  1. Hi Joanne ... sounds really interesting - I'll make a note and see if I can get it out of the library ... cheers Hilary

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    1. I think you'd find his writing quite deep and affecting.

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  2. Some good writing there Joanne. I also would like to read that book.

    Yvonne.

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    1. thanks. Something about his thinking just strikes a nerve with me.

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  3. This sounds like a thought-provoking book. I like the quote about being a writer and artist.

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    1. He really has thought through a lot of concepts in the process of being an artist

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