Knausgaard writes for the future
New secret book to be released first in the next century
Photo: AFP
Norwegian author Karl Ove Knausgaard addressed the Frankfurt Book Fair on Oct. 15.
The Local
Author Karl Ove Knausgaard, one of the biggest names in Norwegian literature, has written a book that will stay under wraps for the next century.
Knausgaard has written the secretive manuscript for the Future Library project, NRK reported.
The concept involves an annual contribution by a chosen author of a text for release 100 years later.
Founded in 2014, the library’s first book will become available to the public in 2114. The books are made from trees planted in a Norwegian forest for the purpose of printing volumes for the library.
Knausgaard is primarily known for his multi-volume autobiographical novel My Struggle (Min Kamp), which has been published in over 30 languages.
The selection of Knausgaard by Future Library was announced at the 2019 Book Fair in the German city of Frankfurt.
Knausgaard addressed the book fair on Oct. 15.
“The first time I heard about Future Library I thought it was a fantastic idea and a very interesting artistic project,” Knausgaard told the broadcaster.
“So I was particularly happy to be given the chance to be part of the project,” he said.
Other authors already part of the Future Library collection include Canadian Margaret Atwood, writer of 1985 dystopian novel and recent Hulu adaptation The Handmaid’s Tale.
Meanwhile, shooting for a Netflix film about the Norwegian author has been cancelled, according to Denmark’s public broadcasting service, DR.
The production of the film, which would have starred Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen (Cannibal, A Royal Affair, Valhalla Rising) as Knausgaard, was stopped at the author’s decision, according to DR’s report.
This article was originally published on The Local.
This article originally appeared in the November 1, 2019, issue of The Norwegian American. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (206) 784-4617.
