50 pages • 1 hour read
Out Stealing Horses
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Book Brief
238
Novel • Fiction
Norway • 1940s
2003
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson and translated by Anne Born, follows the reflections of Trond Sander as he reminisces about his life and confronts his aging and mortality. Set in 1999 in rural eastern Norway, the narrative shifts between Trond's present and the pivotal summer of 1948, highlighting themes of nature, solitude, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences and history. The book includes depictions of Nazi persecution and the accidental death of a child.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
38,164 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Per Petterson's Out Stealing Horses (trans. Anne Born) garners acclaim for its poetic prose and vivid depictions of Norwegian landscapes, enriching its meditation on memory and loss. While praised for its emotional depth and nuanced characters, some critics note a slow narrative pace as a drawback. Overall, it’s a reflective and beautifully crafted novel.
Who Should Read Out Stealing Horses?
A reader who enjoys Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson, translated by Anne Born, would appreciate introspective narratives and poignant reflections on the past. Fans of The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro or My Struggle series by Karl Ove Knausgård may find similar thematic resonance and stylistic appeal.
38,164 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
238
Novel • Fiction
Norway • 1940s
2003
Adult
18+ years
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