Not many novels can successfully combine unconventional psychiatry, the Faroe Islands, the Apollo Programme and add to them with a heady dose of gardening, but Johan Harstad's 'Buzz Aldrin, What Happened To You In All The Confusion?' manages to do all of this whilst maintaining its intense and completely unique narrative voice.
In this smart, funny and surprising debut, Johan Harstad’s epic writing reflects the vast distances that can exist between people standing in the same room. The protagonist is set to become a hero to those who shy away from the limelight.
'Buzz Aldrin, What Happened To You In All The Confusion?' has been published in several languages and is already an huge hit, having been adapted into a major Norwegian TV series. In this debut novel, an acclaimed short story writer has produced a tale full of pathos, wry cultural observation and formed a refreshingly honest look at the void between the individual and everyone else.
Johan Harstad, winner of the 2008 Brage Award (previously won by Per Petterson), is a Norwegian author, graphic designer, playwright and drummer.
'Buzz Aldrin, What Happened To You In All The Confusion?'
by Johan Harstad
Published by Seven Stories Press
Out on 8 September, priced £18.99 (hardback)