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A review by dianahincureads
Crimson by Niviaq Korneliussen
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
“Crimson” by Niviaq Korneliussen (Original title: “HOMO sapienne”)
This Greenlandic little gem is filled with reflections on sexuality, the meaning of life, and colonialism. Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953. Before reading this novel, I have never thought of Greenland under Danish rule. Niviaq Korneliussen explores identity and national identity alike. I honestly want to learn more about Greenland this year. When the word ‘colonialism’ pops into my head I instantly associate it with Western Europe because that was at the core of my studies. I need to branch out more!
“Crimson” is a short novel that plays with multiperspectivity. The same story unfolds and complexifies through the eyes of 5 characters. Revisiting the same scenes from different perspectives changes the tone and adds layers to the story. Its collage-like structure adds to the reading experience as well. Prose, text messages, questionnaires. Complex simplicity.
The novel has been translated into Danish (by the author), French, German, Swedish, Norwegian, and ROMANIAN. The English translation has two titles depending on the audience: “Crimson” (UK) and “Last Night in Nuuk” (US).
One of my favourite quotes:
“Peter. One man. Three years. Thousands of plans. Millions of dinner invitations. Vacuuming, dishwashing and cleaning, rushing on forever towards infinity. False smiles turning uglier. Dry kisses stiffening like desiccated fish. Bad sex should be avoided at all costs. My fakes orgasms get harder to believe as time goes by. But we’re still making plans.
The days become darker. The void in me expands. My love no longer has a taste. My youth’s turning old. What keeps me alive is dying. My life has become worn, aged. Life? What life? My heart? It’s a machine.” (p. 6)
Highly recommend the novel!
This Greenlandic little gem is filled with reflections on sexuality, the meaning of life, and colonialism. Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953. Before reading this novel, I have never thought of Greenland under Danish rule. Niviaq Korneliussen explores identity and national identity alike. I honestly want to learn more about Greenland this year. When the word ‘colonialism’ pops into my head I instantly associate it with Western Europe because that was at the core of my studies. I need to branch out more!
“Crimson” is a short novel that plays with multiperspectivity. The same story unfolds and complexifies through the eyes of 5 characters. Revisiting the same scenes from different perspectives changes the tone and adds layers to the story. Its collage-like structure adds to the reading experience as well. Prose, text messages, questionnaires. Complex simplicity.
The novel has been translated into Danish (by the author), French, German, Swedish, Norwegian, and ROMANIAN. The English translation has two titles depending on the audience: “Crimson” (UK) and “Last Night in Nuuk” (US).
One of my favourite quotes:
“Peter. One man. Three years. Thousands of plans. Millions of dinner invitations. Vacuuming, dishwashing and cleaning, rushing on forever towards infinity. False smiles turning uglier. Dry kisses stiffening like desiccated fish. Bad sex should be avoided at all costs. My fakes orgasms get harder to believe as time goes by. But we’re still making plans.
The days become darker. The void in me expands. My love no longer has a taste. My youth’s turning old. What keeps me alive is dying. My life has become worn, aged. Life? What life? My heart? It’s a machine.” (p. 6)
Highly recommend the novel!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Child abuse and Vomit