No Witness for the Witness
Refsum, Christian: Ingen vitner for vitnet1986: Bjørn Harlem plays in an underground band and works in a shelter for homeless men. One day he discovers a dead man in one of the dormitories.
2006: Bjørn Harlem, now a professor of comparative literature, starts investigating the shady circumstances around the unsolved murder mystery. As the professor becomes more deeply involved in the case, the investigation will gravely affect himself and his family.
No Witness for the Witness is a story about a romance that turned into a long lasting relationship, and a humorous study of the alternative musical scene of the 80s, where rebellious rock musicians created their own reality during the decade of the yuppies. This is a thrilling and reflective novel, which deals with control, overstepping the boundaries and the commitments and possibilities of a witness.
Praise for No Witness for the Witness
”Solid testimony … Refsum writes impressively well … it is not every day a Norwegian novel comes out that you wish were twice as long.”
(Dagens Næringsliv)
”Shrewd and serious … The friction of writing a novel about people on the lowest step of the social ladder as well as the highest, keeps the reader in a firm and good grip. Recommended!”
(Adresseavisen)
”Literal orgy of clever formulations … impressive wielding of the pen”
(Universitas)
”About murder and witnesses, drugs and rock and Derrida-struck family life … an unusually catchy, thoughtful and well-written description from the capital.”
(Dagbladet)
”Finally an intelligent novel in a university setting! … wise, intriguing and interesting reflections.”
Dagsavisen)
”Intellectual, but also heartfelt from a debut novelist with complete control over the linguistic effects … a very convincing debut, where the outward motive is elegantly linked to a inner story of decay.”
(VG)
”A pleasure to read!”
(Klassekampen)
”Both very interesting and at times extremely funny”
(Aftenposten)
”Well done, Refsum! More of this, please.”
(Vårt land)
First published: 2007, Forlaget Oktober
Christian Refsum: Biography and bibliography
