Read Cairns, a recently published translation (in French, by the Chamonix Guérin Éditions, now Paulsen), of a Norwegian novel Vardane by Martin Baldysz. Very short but daunting, I was completely taken by surprise by a multi-tiered story that never got where I expected it to go, with much more complex characters than I imagined from their first description, layers after layers of deception and buried secrets, and the ever-present strength (and cold) of the local mountains. A vernacular version of magical realism! Looking forward re-reading it as I am sure I have missed some subtle hints, and reading another Norwegian novel, Fjellet, geværet, vannet (A mountain, a gun, a lake) by Lars Ramslie, which I initially confused with an earlier novel about the same character!
Made a kilogram of roasted black sesame butter, just letting the mixer mix for ten minutes!. And to keep with the Norwegian theme, I made a second attempt at Brunost, which worked better than last time, although missing a few more minutes for it to turn light brown! (Inventing beigeost in the process?!)
Watched Netfilx The Decameron, which obviously cannot compete with Pasolini’s 1971 masterpiece. And is only vaguely related with 1350’s Boccaccio’s Il Decameron. With modern lyrics from many bands of my teenage years (incl. Devo!) and definitely modern attitudes. Amusing black (Plague) humour, if with lengthy moments and inconsistent characters. With a great anime introduction. And definitely suited for this ‘Og regular diary!
