Book Info:
Next Stop: Sejer Island
by Andrea Heiberg
Paperback: June, 2011, 84 pages.
Rating: 5 Stars
Synopsis:
This book of short stories involves fictional characters living on the real Sejer Island, Denmark; working and problem-solving as only close-knit villagers can.
Review:
The cast of unusual characters begins as many offerings do; reconstruction. The commonplace nature of the first story draws the reader in, relating on a personal level; to see what kind of renovation work occurs on a tiny Danish island. The character Selig, who stars in the first story, A Kingdom for a Kalashnikov, with his tiny silver-headed hammer, steals hearts as well as the story with his unique brand of work.
Mundane activities in the village open up to the reader, showing how universal life, with its problems and solutions, moves on an average day. Heiberg’s use of first person present point of view encourages one to take these eight stories as fact, with immediacy, while helping the reader build a relationship with the characters involved. She does an excellent job of creating reality.
Some might be taken aback by the seeming starkness of the stories’ delivery. What might not be appreciated is that the delivery echoes Sejer island life. This island does exist. Heiberg does live and teach there. Her portrayal of the residents’ style of humor or care-worn thoughts is enhanced by her straight-forward presentation. There is no room for superlatives.
The final story, When Things Are Pure, adds a different take on the book as a whole. In a sense it is a commentary on the rest; the characters, the island, the mind-set. It exemplifies the personal quirks and take-it-as-it-comes attitude of the islanders, while not occurring on Sejer at all. The story reflects the uniqueness of Sejer and its people and their relationship with the rest of the world.
Much can be said for stripping prose down to essentials and allowing the reader to envision scenes through personal understanding. Andrea Heiberg delivers an excellent opportunity for reader participation, which can be refreshing and sought after.
Remarkable Quotes and Excerpts:
From Solemente Para Tus Ojos: “Brazilian romances always make people cry,” Maribell says.
From Where There Is Fish There Is Hope: “Now Anton stares at Earnest’s fishing boat going steady, chugging through the waves. He takes off his sunglasses but leaves on his Spanish hat. He rushes outside. He reaches the upper deck in seconds. He goes to the iron railings and climbs out one step up, letting his knees balance his body. He lifts up both his arms, waving.”
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