Under the Glacier

Name: Under the Glacier
Author: Hjalmar Hjorth Boysen

The novel revolves around a young boy who returns to his family's isolated farm after being away for several years. He struggles with the harsh realities of rural life and the complexities of human relationships within his own family. The story explores themes of isolation, loneliness, and the fragility of human connections.

By Hjalmar Hjorth Boysen · First published 1968 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Drama, Historical Fiction · 6 chapters · 13,075 words

First lines

In one of the deepest fjord-valleys on the western coast of Norway there lives, even to this day, a legend which may be worth relating. Several hundred years ago, a peasant dwelt there in the parish who had two sons, both born on the same day. During their infancy they looked so much alike that even the father himself could not always tell one from the other; and as the mother had died soon after their birth, there was no one to settle the question of primogeniture. At last the father, too, died, and each son, feeling sure that he was the elder, laid claim to the farm. For well nigh a year they kept wrangling and fighting, each threatening to burn the house over the other's head if he dared to take possession of it. The matter was finally adjusted by the opportune intervention of a neighbor who stood in high repute for wisdom. At his suggestion, they should each plant side by side a twig or sprout of some tree or herb, and he to whose plant God gave growth should be the owner of the farm. This advice was accepted; for God, both thought, was a safer arbiter than man. One of the brothers, Arne, chose a fern (_Ormgrass_), and the other, Ulf, a sweet-brier. A week later, they went with the wise man and two other neighbors to the remote pasture at the edge of the glacier where, by common consent, they had made their appeal to the judgment of heaven. Arne's fern stood waving in dewy freshness in the morning breeze; but Ulf's sweet-brier lay prostrate upon the ground, as if uprooted by some hostile hand. The eyes of the brothers met in a long, ill-boding glance.

What this Textopian page supports

Under the Glacier is listed on Textopian as a novel by Hjalmar Hjorth Boysen, dated 1968 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Hjalmar Hjorth Boysen
Date: 1968 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Drama, Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure
Length: 13,075 words
Structure: 6 chapters, 152 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes of identity, family conflict, and the human condition through rich character development and intricate narrative style.
Drama — The plot centers around intense familial and romantic conflicts, showcasing emotional struggles and moral dilemmas.
Historical Fiction — Set in a specific historical context, the story reflects the cultural and social dynamics of Norway in the 19th century.
Romance — The narrative includes romantic elements, particularly the relationship between Maurice and Elsie, highlighting themes of love and desire.