"What are you reading? " Virginia by Jens Christian Grondahl

 Ana Melendo's contribution

The Book

Source: Amazon

This is a small book from the Danish author Jens Christian GRONDHAL. You can find it in English. The story takes place during the Second World War. A young woman who lives with her mother in the city, is inviting to spend the summer with people she barely knows in a cottage on the North Sea coast. She meets a teenager, the nephew of her hosts, with whom she has a beginning of friendship. The story turns more complicate when an English airman is shot nearby.

Years later, each main character wonders how much this episode wonders in their life.

More than the story, I’ve loved the way GRONDHAL has told it. 

The Author

Source: Wikipedia

Jens Christian Grøndahl is a celebrated Danish author born on November 9, 1959, in Lyngby, Denmark. Renowned for his introspective and eloquent writing style, Grøndahl has significantly contributed to contemporary Scandinavian literature. He studied philosophy at the University of Copenhagen and later attended the Danish National School of Theatre. His literary career began in the 1980s, and he has since written numerous novels, essays, and plays that explore themes of love, identity, and existential contemplation.

One of his notable works is "Virginia," a novel that delves into the intricacies of human relationships and the passage of time. "Virginia" tells the story of a man who reflects on a summer he spent with a captivating woman named Virginia during his youth. The narrative is a poignant exploration of memory and longing, highlighting Grøndahl's talent for capturing the nuanced emotions that define human connections. Through his precise and evocative prose, Grøndahl invites readers to ponder the ephemeral nature of life and the lasting impact of fleeting moments.

Grøndahl's work, including "Virginia," has been translated into numerous languages, earning him international acclaim. His ability to blend philosophical insights with deeply personal stories makes his writing profoundly resonant with readers around the world.