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The Birds

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( 7,373 ratings, 827 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Birds by Tarjei Vesaas is a profound novel exploring themes of isolation and the simplicity of rural life, through the experiences of Mattis, a man of limited intelligence. Living with his sister Hege, Mattis's connection with nature, particularly his fascination with birds, contrasts with his struggle to fit into human society, creating a poignant narrative about the beauty and complexity of existence.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2400
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate profound, quiet narratives that explore human connection and isolation through beautifully crafted prose. This novel delves into the complexities of the mind and the innocence of a man with intellectual disabilities, offering a poignant portrayal of his inner world. It appeals to readers who cherish literary fiction with a deeply reflective and emotional core.

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The Birds

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

New to Penguin Modern Classics, a moving portrayal of the fragility of the human mind and an acclaimed Norwegian masterpiece.

The Birds is the story of Mattis, a mentally handicapped man who lives with and is cared for by his older sister, Hege. Within their isolated, lakeside existence, Mattis cannot make sense of his tangled thoughts, frightening apparitions, surges of emotion and clever insights. When a travelling lumberjack attracts Hege's affections, the disruption is too much for Mattis to bear.

This Norwegian masterpiece sensitively captures a mystic command of the natural world, the prison of unfulfilled time and the fragility of the human mind. The narrative is sparse, poetic, and contemplative, with an ending that crescendos into heartbreak.

Series: Penguin Modern Classics

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Birds is highly praised for its timeless subject matter and gripping portrayal of a mentally handicapped man's inner world. Reviews highlight it as a masterpiece, noting the insightful depiction of Mattis, whose character blends absurdity with warmth. The translation is commended for capturing Vesaas' distinctive style and emotional depth.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241384879

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 July 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Translated by Torbjorn Stoverud
  • Translated by Michael Barnes

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 12.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 148g

Pages: 192

About the Author

Tarjei Vesaas (Author) Tarjei Vesaas died at the age of 72 in the same small village where he was born- Vinje in Telemark, an isolated mountainous district of southern Norway. He wrote more than 25 novels and was nominated 30 times for the Nobel Prize.

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