The Unseen

The best novel about life on a Norwegian island in first half of the twentieth century ever written. The book tells the story of the Barrøys, who live on a small island north of the Arctic circle .Nothing much happens; there are births, deaths, coming and goings but the rhythms and cycles of island life take centre-stage and are exquisitely delineated . Quite simply one of the best novels you're never read

There is something special about the island life. It changes you. The island is something to be cared for, improve, and in turn takes care of you. This was a gritty story about the hard life of living on the island. The struggles to balance money, schooling, and fishing. The characters in the story feel real. As many difficulties get in their way, the family adapts, and survives as they always do. The island life isn't for all, but for some it's all there is.