[insightmike]

There’s a common misconception that Eskimos have an inflated number of words for snow. Probably because there’s various Eskimo tribes, all speaking their own languages. I have no idea how many words there are in Norwegian - or Nynorsk, to be more precise - but I reckon there’s a good number of them, otherwise Tarjei Vesaas’ The Ice Palace (1963) would be a repetitive novel.

And how, then, without being repetitive, would it translate to English, if we only have one word for snow? That word being, well, snow. Thankfully, the English language has a large enough vocabulary to describe frozen water in all manner of ways - ice, icicle, frost, slush, etc. - all equally evocative, and its a mercy indeed for without them The Ice Palace would not be the evocative beauty it is.

Siss and Unn are two very different young girls. The former is popular in their rural school; the latter, recently arrived in the area, is very much alone. But something attracts them to one another, and one winter evening Siss heads over to Unn’s and their getting to know other - secrets shared, and promised to never tell, aside - is an awkward affair. So awkward, in fact, that Unn skips school the following day to visit the ice palace, a structure built from the errant streams and spray of a waterfall, and is never heard from again.

And as the search for Unn begins amongst the villagers the snow begins to fall. In fact, the snow falls all winter, each successive layer covering up the earth and any tracks Unn may have left. But it’s not quite so simple as that, for the snow is both physical and metaphorical, a representation of the way in which Siss becomes snowed in, emotionally isolated in her need to preserve the memory of her friend:They’re not thinking about Unn any more.”
“Who isn’t?”
“Nobody is!” said Siss, even though she had not meant to. It had gone dark, and then she had said it.
Her mother answered calmly: “How do you know, my girl?”
Siss said nothing.
“And then nobody knew Unn. It’s unreasonable, but it makes it seem different. People have a lot to think about, you see.” Mother looked at Siss and added: “You’re the person who can think about Unn all the time.”
As if Siss had been given a great gift.This “gift” leads Siss to embody Unn, to become the loner at school. To keep the air of mystery alive - for that reason she’ll never tell another soul Unn’s secret. But as the winter leads into spring, Siss learns to accept that Unn is never coming back and in such situations one can be relieved of a promise’s obligation. And so, with the new season warming the land, Siss is able to take one step closer to adulthood and all the inner turmoil she has been suffering melts away, the metaphorical ice palace going the same way as the physical one:It was just as alarmingly tall and strange from whichever angle you looked at it. Polished and sparkling, free of snow, and with a ring of cold around it in the middle ofthe mild March air in which it stood. The river, black and deep, moved out from under the ice, gathering speed on its way downward and taking with it everything that could be torn way.Aside from the rather amazing story of The Ice Palace, with its layers of symbols and possible interpretations, what really captures the imagination is the prose: chilly, sad, and haunting; yet not without colour. It’s poetry, and what makes it even more special is that it’s a translation. Just how beautiful must the original be?

The Ice Palace really deserves more widespread attention. It’s a subtle gem, extremely unassuming, and, while it will no doubt mean different things to different people, they will all agree that it means something to them. Frankly, it’s nothing short of a work of art and I’ll be looking forward to reading more of Vesaas in the near future. As an introduction to his work, what a way to break the ice!

[KlaraNovikoffa]

The Ice Palace by Tarjei Vesaas
Translated from the Norwegian by Elizabeth Rokhan
My rating


The most memorable thing about many novels is a specific character, such as a vivacious, witty heroine who enchants or a charming man who is either noble, seductive, or brave--or, possibly, even all three. However, in Tarjeu Vesaas' The Ice Palace, it is a place that haunts the reader's memory. This place is an ice palace, an enchanted castle that seems to have a life all its own. When one of the two young girls in this book first sees the castle, she is as enraptured as if a spell had been cast upon her:

"Unn looked down at the enchanted world of small pinnacles, gables, frosted domes, soft curves, and confused tracery. All of it was ice, and the water spurted between them, building it up continually....She was intoxicated. The place was full of wings and turrets, how many it was impossible to say...It was an enchanted palace, She must find a way to get in!"

Unn does manage to get inside the palace. But first she meets Siss, another girl her same age whom she is instantly drawn to. The attraction is mutual.

"It was the mystification that fascinated her (Siss), the aura she seemed to see all around Unn."

In spite of the fact that the two of them barely know one another, their connection is inexplicably profound. A deep bond is formed between them in a matter of mere moments. Although there is a certain awkwardness between them, they still feel that finding one another is a tremendous event. They stand before the looking glass together, and partially undress in front of each other. Were the girls any older, such behavior might seem less innocent. However, they are clearly children, and one gets the feeling that everything is a bit of a game. When they say goodbye, it is with a certain amount of pain.

"What happened to them? It felt as if it was almost impossible to part. Something strange had happened."

The poignancy of this meeting between Siss and Unn seems all the more tragic when, the very next day, Unn disappears. One might expect a typical novelist to embellish the novel with a sensational sub-plot, perhaps involving a child predator or a serial killer. But Vesaas is no ordinary author, and it is a natural phenomenon that claims Unn's life.

"It was an enchanted palace. She (Unn) must find a way in! It was bound to be full of curious passageways and doorways--and she must get in. It looked so extraordinary that Unn forgot everything else as she stood in front of it. She was aware of nothing but her desire to enter."

This book sends a subtle message about how often we are attracted strongly by that which will ultimately destroy us. Unn is aware of the fact that she is cold and afraid when she enters the palace, and yet she blindly goes on, unable to focus on anything else other than her desire to explore than icy wonder. "Nothing was right in such a palace," Vesaas writes at one point, "but you seemed to accept it."

In one of the rooms there is a forest of ice that all but takes Unn's breath away.

"The water, which had spurted up here for a while, had fashioned stems and branches of ice, and small trees stuck up from the bottom among the large ones. There were things here too that could not be described as either one or the other--but they belonged to such a place and one had to accept everything as it came."

When something or someone bewitches us, we are often inclined to accept even that which bewilders or frightens us. Unn is continually drawn into the frozen structure, in spite of its coldness and hostility. It's as if she has become a different person inside the palace--a person who is no longer motivated by rational thought, but is instead a mechanical doll who is willing to sacrifice herself to whatever plans the ice palace has for her. When she at last realizes her predicament and wants to leave, she is unable to find a way out. At last she becomes very tired, almost drugged, and gives way to a sleep that ends in death.

There is something strangely erotic about this course of events. The ice palace takes on a very human aspect, and the images of a small young girl being ravished by a man tend to come to mind as Unn moves more and more deeply into the ice, squeezing her way through glassy nooks and crevices. When she eventually collapses, devoid of any strength, we are reminded of how exhausting sexual intimacy can be.

"She (Unn) was ready for sleep....She wanted to sleep; she was languid and limp and ready."

When Unn "disappears" inside the palace and no one can find her, everyone but Siss seems to want life to go on just as it was before. Siss is still haunted by her memories of Unn, and by the precious moments they shared with one another. She also recalls the secret Unn told her--a secret so enigmatic that Siss doesn't know what to make of it. Yet she holds on to this secret and to the memory of the lost girl.

As the people in the town search for Unn, we have yet another glimpse or two at the ice palace and its extraordinary personality.

"It was not just a palace; it resembled a palace illumined for a feast, even though the lights were on the outside."

Even the men who are looking for Unn are captivated by the palace. It seems to compel them to continue their search, in spite of fatigue.

"They are tired out but cannot make an end of it, with no will to choose whether they are to finish it or not. The closed ice palace has life in it...."

Although many critics would disagree with me, I see the ice palace as the focal point of this slender novel. Yes, the friendship between Siss and Unn is important and intriguing, but the ice palace is a multi-faceted "being" far more complex than either girl. The words that Vesaas uses to describe this potent, beguiling castle are so rich and full of beauty that at times it seems as if he is painting a picture of the place. Perhaps, he intended to show how easy it is to be caught up in appearances, how effortless it is to allow oneself to be deceived by the outward beauty of something. On the other hand, one senses that he is conveying that a true, genuine bond between two people shouldn't have anything to do with the quantity of contact between them. It is the quality of the communication that counts--and Siss and Unn find something profoundly significant in
those few, brief minutes they spend together.

After reading Knut Hamsun's Pan, I was eager to familiarize myself with more literature from Norway. Tarjei Vesaas, who has been called the most important Norwegian author since Hamsun, seemed like an ideal place to begin. I must thank Stewart for the recommendation.

The Ice Palace was published in 1963. It was also made into an award-winning Norwegian film.


~Titania

[Gaxiciverfere]

After what both Titania and Stewart have said, I seriously consider picking The Ice Palace up as soon as possible--first, because they've made it sound almost irresistible, and second, because I love Scandinavian fiction (I only wish I had more time to read it, these days).

Vesaas seems keen to describe, in overflowing detail, the tender relationship existing between the two girls, which makes it sound (but only a little bit) like Peter Jackson's early film, Heavenly Creatures, which was based on a true story; also about a relationship between two young girls, Jackson made it a point to focus on the "magical" landscapes of their own devising--located somewhere within their united imaginations. Obviously, the movie is too different to be compared to Vesaas's book at length, but some thematic parallels might be spotted nonetheless.

I think The Ice Palace would be a perfect book for me since I'm a sucker for beautiful language and lush natural descriptions--I told Titania once that Iceland was my dream-destination; right now I am seriously considering packing my bags and moving to Norway.

[KlaraNovikoffa]

After what both Titania and Stewart have said, I seriously consider picking The Ice Palace up as soon as possible--first, because they've made it sound almost irresistible, and second, because I love Scandinavian fiction (I only wish I had more time to read it, these days).

Liam,
You won't be disappointed by The Ice Palace. It's a very fast and easy read, too, though it conveys layers of meaning. If you love Scandinavian fiction, you will definitely love this book.

And...what can I say? I'm delighted to know that the reviews Stewart and I wrote piqued your interest so much. Whenever I can make a book sound irresistible to someone, I suspect I've accomplished a great deal.

Vesaas seems keen to describe, in overflowing detail, the tender relationship existing between the two girls, which makes it sound (but only a little bit) like Peter Jackson's early film, Heavenly Creatures, which was based on a true story; also about a relationship between two young girls, Jackson made it a point to focus on the "magical" landscapes of their own devising--located somewhere within their united imaginations. Obviously, the movie is too different to be compared to Vesaas's book at length, but some thematic parallels might be spotted nonetheless.

I could see there might be a few similarities. I personally loved the film,
"Heavenly Creatures." I could see that, had Vesaas chosen to do so,
he could have veered the plot of The Ice Palace more in that direction.

I think The Ice Palace would be a perfect book for me since I'm a sucker for beautiful language and lush natural descriptions--

Indeed, it sounds as if it would be a perfect book for you, Liam.

I told Titania once that Iceland was my dream-destination; right now I am seriously considering packing my bags and moving to Norway.

Not so fast, luv. You're closer to where I am if you're in New York .

Warmest wishes & all that,
Titania

[bypeTeenehalT]

I read this novel about 30 years ago, so I needed some memory jogging from Titania and Liam before I could remember much. What I did remember unaided was the mood of the whole novel, and the friendship.

As Titania hints, while a hint of sexuality is present, our reception of such books may have been damaged by the current mondial obsession with p?dophilia and sexuality, something that probably belong to adolescence and beyond (with a few outriders, stretching back into childhood) and, in this case, lesbian relationships.

It is surely that the symbolism of the ice castle and the idea of friendship are the central parts of the novel. If we start making it a lesbian "Lolita", I think we may be barking up the wrong stalagmite.

[KlaraNovikoffa]

I read this novel about 30 years ago, so I needed some memory jogging from Titania and Liam before I could remember much. What I did remember unaided was the mood of the whole novel, and the friendship.

Eric,
There is a definitive "mood" to The Ice Palace that I would imagine it would be difficult to forget. Perhaps my review and Liam's interest in the book will prompt you to re-read it.

As Titania hints, while a hint of sexuality is present, our reception of such books may have been damaged by the current mondial obsession with p?dophilia and sexuality, something that probably belong to adolescence and beyond (with a few outriders, stretching back into childhood) and, in this case, lesbian relationships.

You're quite right. Society's tendency to sexualize everything could easily color one's perception of many aspects of this book.

It is surely that the symbolism of the ice castle and the idea of friendship are the central parts of the novel. If we start making it a lesbian "Lolita", I think we may be barking up the wrong stalagmite.

Honestly, as I think I pointed out in my review, I perceive the relationship between the two young girls as being completely innocent. Granted, my girlfriends and I never undressed in front of one another. At the same time, that doesn't make this behavior between Siss and Unn abnormal or strange. I think there's a true beauty in their connection....and, in sexualizing it or attempting to see something that isn't there, a person is merely destroying that beauty.

I appreciate your comments, Eric. You always put so much thought and consideration into the remarks you make.

Thank you,
Titania

[wallyfindme]

A marvelous review, Stewart. Thanks for letting me know you had written one. Titania's is superb, too. Her impressions of the book are different than yours and equally interesting. She's so eccentric it doesn't surprise me that she would have her own unique take on a book. But you're the one who sold me on The Ice Palace when you spoke of its layers of symbols and what you said about it being "chilly, sad, and haunting." I love haunting books because those are the ones that stay with you.


Sincerely,
Diana

[JasminBerkova]

To: Stewart and Titania,

Thank you thank you for reviewing this book at length. I do not have the energy right now to do so, but I really enjoyed reading your reactions.

..the depth...and the water...the symbolism...and the sadness -- it is so hard to describe. Stewart you chose perfect adjectives for this one. Titania, I'm glad you wrote of the kind of...delicate sexuality here.

This book deeply resonates with me and I feel it needs more attention.

Here is a sample of my favorite page:
"Promise in deepest snow from Siss to Unn:
I promise to think about no one but you. To think about everything I know about you. To think about you at home and at school, and on the way to school. To think about you all day long, and if I wake up at night.

Promise at Night: I feel you are so close that I could touch you, but I dare not."

This book is so beautiful that it hurts. I promise.

If anyone reading this is a writer, consider Vesaas a teacher of style.

[bypeTeenehalT]

Several of Vesaas' other novels are available in English, e.g. "The Birds", "The Bridges", "The House in the Dark", "The Seed". Elizabeth Rokkan and Kenneth Chapman translated these books, back in the 1960s and 1970s, and Peter Owen publishers in London published them. I think that all the above have been reprinted or re-issued, including "The Ice Palace" (English translation 1963; reprint 2002).

There is also a Twayne guide to the whole of Vesaas' work, written in English: Chapman, KG (1970), Tarjei Vesaas, Twayne Publishers Inc., New York (part of the Twayne ‘s World Author Series.)

I hope that those who liked "The Ice Palace" will read some of those. He tends to describe loners, people who don't quite fit in, or are somehow incapable of socialising.

I was actually looking at Vesaas' poetry only last week. His poems too have atmosphere. They have been translated into English by Roger Greenwald, in a book called "Through Naked Branches", Princeton University Press, 2000: THROUGH NAKED BRANCHES: SELECTED POEMS OF TARJEI VESAAS, translated and edited by Roger Greenwald .

But I shall re-read "The Ice Palace" one day. It was magical when I read it before, that much I remember.

The Vesaas thread here on the World Literature Forum, with more details by Stewart and others is at:

http://www.worldliteratureforum.com/...ei-vesaas.html

[wallyfindme]

I hope that those who liked "The Ice Palace" will read some of those. He tends to describe loners, people who don't quite fit in, or are somehow incapable of socialising.

Many thanks, Eric. It sounds like the stories and characters Vesaas' works are centered around would interest me greatly.

I think Alexis has also read The Birds, but I'm not sure whether she finished it or not. I'll ask.

Also, I'll check out the thread on Vesaas.

Sincerely,
Diana

[insightmike]

I was actually looking at Vesaas' poetry only last week. His poems too have atmosphere. They have been translated into English by Roger Greenwald, in a book called "Through Naked Branches", Princeton University Press, 2000: THROUGH NAKED BRANCHES: SELECTED POEMS OF TARJEI VESAAS, translated and edited by Roger Greenwald .

That's a nice little edition, blingual too. I found myself reading the opener, Sn? Og Granskog (trans: Snow And Spruce Forest), aloud in the original Norwegian. This YouTube video puts the poem to music.

[KlaraNovikoffa]

Thanks for posting the link to the video, Stewart. I love the photos of the snow-covered mountains and trees. And, of course, I wish I understood Norwegian .

For some reason, my computer wasn't able to access the link directly from this forum. You typed the link in correctly, but my computer was being stubborn, I suppose. At any rate, if anyone else has difficulty accessing the You Tube video via Stewart's link, simply go to YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. and put the words "Snow and Spruce Forest" in the Search Engine.

In reply Diana's speculations about my having read Vesaas' The Birds, yes, I did start reading it, although, as I told her when she asked me last night, I didn't finish it. It was requested before I had a chance to do so, and now I owe fines I haven't yet paid, which means that I cannot order any books. If only they would let me pay my fines over the phone via my Visa card! Alas! ~sigh~

~Titania (Alexis)


". . .without ideas, there is no grandeur.
And without grandeur there is no
beauty." ~A Sentimental Education,
Gustave Flaubert

[bypeTeenehalT]

As I like languages, I'm going to read Vesaas in the Norwegian original. He wrote in the minority written version, called nynorsk, which I've been expanding my knowledge of recently.

But to give an idea about one of his novels, here's what the English blurb says about his 1966 novel The Bridges (English translation 1969):

Aud and Torvil, two teenagers in love, stumble across the body of a drowned baby in a wood. This traumatic event and their strange relationship with the mother of the dead child (an adolescent like themselves) dramatically alters their lives: all three characters discover through their meeting unsuspected depths of emotion, unexpected areas of conflict and communication...

[Gaxiciverfere]

Aud and Torvil, two teenagers in love

Here's a stupid question: Is Aud male or female? (I'm guessing Torvil is a boy, although, what is gender, really?). Ah.

[meteeratymn]

what is gender, really?). Ah.

Yes indeed. Read Sarah Grand's The Heavenly Twins (1893) for free, as it's out of copyright, and then why not try Grand's The Beth Book (1897), also out of copyright, and at the same price? Very underrated, some of these New Woman writers:

The Heavenly Twins by Madame Sarah Grand - Project Gutenberg
The Beth Book by Sarah Grand - Project Gutenberg

I should have said that The Heavenly Twins is very, very odd from the pont of view of gender. What am I?

[bypeTeenehalT]

Liam, I momentarily asked myself the same question. Then I looked at the book. I don't think that the homosexual love of adolescents was a subject that was casually broached in fiction in Norway in 1966. Anyway, from the horse's mouth, and the first page of the novel:

Out on the bridge the young boy Torvil... He was eighteen years old lived beside this bridge... Torvil stood thinking about his girl, his friend Aud. ***

As for what gender is really, I can't see any complication:

*The majority of people fancy or fall in love with the opposite sex.
*A minority fancy of fall in love with the same sex.
*Some people manage to have their cake and eat it by fancying of falling in love with both.
*Some people like part-time status regarding the other sex; they dress up to show this.
*A very small minority are born with the organs of both sexes.
*A small minority also decide that the sex of their body is intolerable and have a medical operation to alter it.

Where the problem arises is not in the West. It is in countries like Iran and other Muslim ones where they string you up or throw you from the roof if you're homosexual. But I've never seen any serious discussion in the British or American press about, for instance, lesbianism within Islam. So I haven't a clue whether lesbianism is acceptable in Islam.

But we live in the West. The West has waged war against sexual proclivity bias for about a century, with people such as Oscar Wilde and Radclyffe Hall initially bringing up the subject. Whether the West needs to be constantly vigilant so that "queer-bashing" and other nasty forms of bigotry don't return as a vogue or fad, or whether we should live and let live and not worry too much about the neighbours, is something I have no answers about.

[bypeTeenehalT]

I too think we should relocate the debate about sex and gender to a new thread in the Chat section.

I will also write more general comments about Vesaas on the Tarjei Vesaas thread, leaving this one exclusively for "The Ice Palace".