The Forest of Hours

by Kerstin Ekman and translated by Anna Paterson Kerstin Ekman

The central character of this novel is Skord, a magical being who is neither man nor animal. The tale begins in the Middle Ages when Skord finds himself in a forest with no memory, no past and no... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0099751712
• ISBN13: 9780099751717
• Release Date: November 1999
• Publisher: Vintage Books
• Length: 488 Pages
• Weight: 0.76 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A sensitive portrayal of life and environment

This is an extraordinary work. Ekman tracks the centuries-long life of a troll, from his early years in the northern Scandinavian forest through his assimilation into human society. We see the hero move through a series of incarnations (from the perspective of human life spans) as brigand, army medic, prisoner, alchemist, physician... As one reads on, the work reveals itself to be a wonderfully insightful perspective on civilization, and on the follies and joys of human life. Ekman evokes the human environment as it would have been experienced by those whose efforts helped shape our own more comfortable circumstances. Extreme poverty, hunger, cold and lack of even basic security eventually gives way to the comforts we take for granted, until our troll finds that he is troubled by all sorts of modern ailments, from ennui through coffee-induced stomach acidity! Ekman obviously has a deep love of nature, and the book is at once a deep affirmation of the wonders of our environmental heritage and a mourning of what is being lost. Great works of literature deserve great translators, and Ekman's Scottish collaborator in this instance has produced a superb result that is an absolute joy to read in English. Highly recommended to anyone wanting a thoughtful, engaging and enjoyable read.