Staff Pick of the Week - Septology by Jon Fosse

Jon Fosse's 'Septology' is a giant among contemporary literature, at once haunted and meditative in its considerations of faith, identity, and the passage of time. Divided into seven interconnected volumes, 'Septology' follows the journey of an unnamed protagonist, a painter in his later years, as he reflects on his life, relationships, and spiritual struggles. This story is as much about inner workings of the mind as it is about the outer world, with a little line separating memory, self-awareness, and existential questioning.

What really sets Fosse's 'Septology' apart, however, is the style: spare, lyrical, deep contemplation. The fragmented structure of the novel parallels how memory and thought unfold; as such, reading feels a thoroughly intimate and meditative exercise. The prose is minimalist, long, and meandering. It invites the reader to slow down and immerse themselves in the protagonist's inner world. It is a book that challenges the reader for deep thinking about the nature of existence, faith, and the human experience.

For those willing to take the journey, 'Septology' offers a deep and immersive reading experience that lingers long after the final page is turned. It's a work that demands patience and reflection but rewards the reader with an exploration of the spiritual and the human that is both timeless and urgently contemporary.