Morten Høi Jensen presents a discussion on the Tom Kristensen novel Havoc (NYRB). A cult classic in Denmark, this 1930 novel follows the rise and fall of promising critic Ole Jastrau in the disillusioned years of post-war Europe. As Jastrau’s flirtation with Catholicism, drinking, and Communism draws him into a slow tailspin, he battles his own demons as well as the turmoil facing Copenhagen.
Novelist Sam Graham-Felsen also joins us for a conversation on this seminal tale of identity and meaning in the midst of self-destruction. Following the discussion, copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.
“Havoc is one of the best novels to ever come out of Scandinavia.” —Karl Ove Knausgaard
About Morton Høi Jensen
Born and raised in Copenhagen, Denmark, Morten Høi Jensen is the author of the award-winning biography A Difficult Death: The Life and Work of Jens Peter Jacobsen.
He is a frequent contributor to the Los Angeles Review of Books.
About Sam Graham-Felsen
Born and raised in Boston, Sam is a graduate of Harvard University and the author of the acclaimed debut novel, Green. He has served as a journalist for The Nation and has published work in The New York Times and The Washington Post.
During 2008, he was the chief blogger for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. Currently, he is an adjunct assistant professor of creative writing at Columbia University and continues to write fiction.
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TUE—JUNE 12—7 PM, free