Summer cabins are inherited, shared after a divorce, they decay, are repaired, are returned to after many years. Vidar Kvalhaug’s short stories open creaking doors on figures, fates and life stories that did not turn out as expected, on reconciliations and conflicts. We meet the musician who returns after a turbulent life, and the two brothers who start to talk again as they repair a dilapidated barn. A boy and a girl who try to find the meeting places that once bound them together. The novels are low-keyed and cautious in their approach to where people are most vulnerable, and he portrays the smouldering experiences with great intensity.
Critical acclaim
«The art of insinuation is the golden medal of short story writing, and with COPPER BEECH SUMMER, Vidar Kvalshaug proves himself a master of this art.” Romsdals Budstikke, 5/6 stars
“With these twelve short stories, Vidar Kvalshaug enters the line of the most prominent Norwegian contemporary writers.” Adresseavisen, 6/6 stars
“I am highly impressed by the short story writer Vidar Kvalshaug. He provides a vivid specter of people, old and young, women and men who experience wonderful and difficult things within the walls of a summer cabin. This is the fundament for short stories, tremendously great short stories.” Fædrelandsvennen, 5/6 stars
“Vidar Kvalshaug writes stories with not much happening, but which are still packed with atmosphere and suspense. He chooses his words and situations with care and with the importance of details.” Dagsavisen
