The Loneliness of Lydia Erneman’s Life by Rune Christiansen, translated by Kari Dickson

The Loneliness in Lydia Erneman’s Life is gentle and sombre and beautiful. At once lyrical and acute, each short chapter offers a glimpse into the protagonist’s quiet life, almost like a meditation. Perhaps this is how the author intended this book to be read? A sip at a time, chapter by chapter, letting each portion slowly warm you from the inside out.

 Lydia is a rural veterinarian originally from Sweden but living in Norway. She is unremarkable. There is nothing splashy about her, and nothing splashy happens to her. In fact, she is often elbow deep in literal farm-friendly muck. She simply lives her life alongside those she works with, those she lives near, those who raised her. This is a book about living (and about dying), and about how each day creates a whole life. There is no prince charming, just a man she meets one day, thinks about on occasion, and then meets again until he becomes part of her life. There are no antagonists, just one or two broken people who do sad and inexplicable things. The world spins and Lydia leads a thoughtful and contemplative life within its orbit.

Norwegian author, Rune Christiansen, tenderly invites the reader to simply witness Lydia’s life. No judgement, no agenda. The author characterizes this as “loneliness.” Maybe that’s the right word. Or maybe “solitude” or “interiority” would be a better, if not quite so poetic. Whatever it is—that ephemeral quality that is life—just sip at it. Let it warm you. Let it create in you an appreciation for a quiet life well-lived.

Originally published by Norwegian publisher, Forlaget Oktober, in 2014, Book*hug Press will release the English translation (translated by Kari Dickson) on June 6th, 2023. Mark your calendar and head to your local indie bookseller—you won’t want to miss out. I absolutely loved this book. I look forward to revisiting its quiet, comforting chapters again.

Thank you Book*hug Press and ZG Stories for sending me an advanced copy to review.

Coming June 6, 2023

The Loneliness of Lydia Erneman’s Life by Rune Christiansen, translated by Kari Dickson Book*hug Press, 2023, pp. 257 ISBN: 978-1771668347