About
The Ferryman and His Wife by Frode Grytten takes place on the day that Nils Vik died and tells of his journey. Mr. Grytten is a Norwegian author and journalist.
- 176 pages
- Publisher : Algonquin Books
- Language : English
- ISBN-10 : 1643757458
My rating for The Ferryman and His Wife – 5
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Thoughts:
This is a beautifully book, mediative, warm, and poignant. The author examines the transition between life and death in a captivating narrative which captures the imagination
Nils Vik takes a beautiful, serene journey meeting various people he crossed paths with through the years. The translator, Allison McCullough did an outstanding job bringing this excellent book to the English-speaking public.
The Ferryman and His Wife (Den dagen Nils Vik døde) by Frode Grytten uses the ferryman as a guide between the living and the dead. Unlike Charon, the ferryman who transports deceased souls across the river into the underworld, Nils Vik knows that this is a one-way trip and is excited to be able to see the love of his life, his wife Marta, once again.
For me, growing up in small communities, this book was a bittersweet goodbye to an era which we’ll not see again. A tribute to people who make a difference but never celebrated living a well-lived life many can only wish for.
I felt that this book was not about death, but more about life and what makes life worth living. While not long, it offers a glimpse into relationships, marriage, friendships love and yes, death as well.
This is the first I heard of this novel, and after reading it I looked it up and saw that it won several literary awards. My taste often doesn’t align with award winners, but this time it does, and it deserves every honorific in my opinion.
Synopsis:
Ferryman Nils Vik knows that this is the last day of his life and takes his boat across his beloved fjord, where he earned his living. Along the way, together with his dog, Nils meets the passengers he ferried over the fjord for years.
Some have been waiting for him for a long time, many he’s glad to see again. Each one has a story, and their lives are somewhat interwind with Nils and his family.
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