
Fugletribunalet The Bird Tribunal
After a scandal which left her in shatters, Allis Hagtorn leaves her life behind to work as a housekeeper for Sigurd Bagge, a man in his forties. Allis goes from being a name on everybody’s lips into the shadows of anonymity. At first, she embraces this new life, but it doesn’t take long for her fascination for Sigurd to take over. Who is this man? And what does he want from Allis? As they are drawn closer to one another in the desolate house by the sea, an eerie atmosphere hints of unresolved secrets from the past.
Two people have set out in exile. Both carry a wish to repent; one for shame, the other for guilt. What does it take to start over? A thrilling and breathtaking literary page-turner, leaving the reader with trickling chills down the spine.
As heard on BBC’s Books at Bedtime.
Awards
English PEN Translation Award (Winner) UK | |
Dublin Literary Award (Shortlisted) Ireland | |
Petrona Award (Shortlisted for Best Scandinavian Crime Novel of the Year) UK | |
NRK P2 Listener's Prize Norway | |
Youth Criticss Prize Norway | |
Book Blogger Award (Best Norwegian author under 35) Norway |
Reviews
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“The Bird Tribunal offers an incredible richness of themes /…/ The atonement for the past sins and the titular bird tribunal carry powerful messages, as well as questions of morality and humanity.”
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“Ravatn creates a creeping sense of unease, elegantly bringing the peace and menace of the setting to vivid life. The isolated house on the fjord is a character-like shadow in this tale of obsessions. This is domestic suspense with a twist – creepy and wonderful.”
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“Crackling, fraught and hugely compulsive slice of Nordic Noir /…/ tremendously impressive.”
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“A tense and riveting read.”
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“Unfolds in an austere style that perfectly captures the bleakly beautiful landscape of Norway’s far north.”
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“An unrelenting atmosphere of doom fails to prepare readers for the surprising resolution.”
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“The ending literally pounces on you. ”
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“It quivers with excitement and surplus (…) about two people, who just want to be found and loved. ”
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“The novel remains with you as an electrical charge under your skin. ”
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“Beautiful about two damaged souls living under the same roof. ”
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“The whole book is characterised by an uncomfortable and ominous tone and an exquisite writing style. It is dark, thrilling and captivating, as we slowly learn more and more about these two lonely people. ”
- Author
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Agnes Ravatn
- Published
- 2013
- Genre
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- Suspense
- Pages
- 207
- Reading material
English translation
Norwegian edition
- Rights sold
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Arabic World, Aser Al-Kotob
Bulgaria, Matcom
Czech Republic, Albatros Media
Denmark, Batzer
Estonia, Eesti Raamat
France, Actes Sud
Germany, Btb
Hungary, Terikum
Iceland, Bokafelagid
Italy, Marsillio
Lithuania, Svajoniu knygo
Norway, Samlaget
Russia, AST Licence Limited
Serbia, Agora Publishing House
Spain, Seix Barral
Sweden, Modernista
UK, Orenda Books (World English)