Book Review: A New Name: Septology VI-VII

A New Name: Septology VI-VII

Author: Jon Fosse, Translated from the Norwegian by Damion Searls

Publisher: Transit Books, paperback, 197 pages

Reviewed by Rev. Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson

The Author 

Jon Fosse, was born on the west coast of Norway and is the recipient of countless prestigious prizes, both in his native Norway and abroad—including the 2023 Nobel Prize in Literature. Since his 1983 fiction debut, Raudt, svart [Red, Black], Fosse has written prose, poetry, essays, short stories, children’s books, and over forty plays, with more than a thousand productions performed and translations into fifty languages. A New Name is the final volume in Septology, his latest prose work, published in three volumes by Transit Books.

Brief Observations 

This novel—which, at times seems like poetic-prose—is written in what I would categorize as a non-traditional, minimalistic genre. Fosse employs long paragraphs throughout the novel—it begins with about a 3 page paragraph, and ends with around a 4 page paragraph—he only uses commas and question marks, and does not use periods or quotation marks. If you look in a dictionary, you will not find the word “Septology.” I take it to mean Fosse’s exploration of the meaning and mystery of human life. Asle and Asle are doppelgängers, possibly Gura and Gura might be too. The novel abounds with repetitive words, phrases, thoughts, memories, etc. One of Fosse’s favourite repetitions involves the main protagonist, Asle, looking out the window at the Sygne Sea. 

The novel takes place in western Norway. Asle and Asle are both artists. Åsleik is a farmer-fisher, friend and neighbour of Asle. The two of them prepare for their boat trip, and eventually travel over to Åsleik’s sister’s place to celebrate Christmas Eve. Åsleik comes across as somewhat superstitious and a misogynist in that he thinks suitcases and women bring bad luck while travelling in a boat.

The one Asle was married and divorced twice, his first wife was Liv, and second wife was Siv, who also was an artist. The other Asle eventually marries Ales, and both of them are artists. They both attend and later drop out of art school. Asle drops out because he and his teacher realize that he is such an accomplished painter that there is no more he can learn from his teacher. Ales drops out because she wants to study icons and paint them. Ales is a devout Catholic, and Asle converts to Catholicism. Throughout the novel, the Lord’s Prayer, the Apostles’ Creed, the Ave Maria, the shorter Gloria, and the Salve Regina are prayed by Asle in Latin. Asle is influenced by the mystic Meister Eckhart. 

Beyer runs the Bjørgvin art gallery, and eagerly displays Asle’s paintings, thinks they are brilliant works of art, and sells them to customers. Asle thinks his paintings are prayers, confession and penance, and so is all good art and poetry. 

The novel moves back and forth to various times, places and events in the life of the characters. Asle rambles on in a variety of directions—reminiscing, thinking, questioning, remembering, hoping about the meaning of art, poetry, music, the existence and nature of God, life, death, grief, free-will, suffering, and on one occasion states: “but there’s one thing I’m sure of and that’s the greater the despair and suffering is, the closer God is” (p. 61). 

From my humble point of view, this novel gets rather tedious with countless repetitions of words and phrases, and its seemingly fragmented nature, going off in so many different directions without coherent connections, that it makes it difficult to piece together and make sense of a lot of the content. Two-and-one-half out of five stars. 

Wordless Wednesday - November 13, 2024

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Book Review: Canada and Climate Change

Canada and Climate Change

Author: William Leiss

Publisher: McGill-Queen’s University Press, hardcover, 181 pages

Reviewed by Rev. Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson

The Author 

At the time of this volume’s publication (2022), William Leiss was/is a fellow and past president of the Royal Society of Canada, an officer of the Order of Canada, and professor emeritus at the School of Policy Studies Queen’s University. He is the author of several books, including Mad Cows and Mother’s Milk: The Perils of Poor Risk Communication.

Contents

This volume is the second one of the Canadian Essentials Series, published jointly by McGill-Queen’s University Press and the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada. It contains Tables and Figures, Preface, Introduction, 1 What Is Climate? 2 The Pleistocene and Holocene Epochs, 3 Predictions of Climate Science, 4 Trusting Climate Science, 5 Canada: Negotiating Climate Change, 6 Treaty Framing and Climate Science, 7 Managing the Risks of Global Warming, 8 Canada: Mitigation, Impacts, and Adaptation, Reminiscences and Acknowledgments, Appendix 1: Notes and Calculations for Table 6.4, Appendix 2: The Risk Approach in IPCC’s AR6, Impacts of Climate Change, References and Sources, Index. 

Brief Observations

The author begins by stating that in light of the copious written material on climate change, to write yet another book “might well be regarded as a monumentally foolish endeavour” (p. xi). He refers to the polar ends of the pendulum regarding attitudes toward climate change in fossil-fuel-producing countries, which have paralyzed politicians, thus failing to reduce greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions for the past thirty years. The audience Leiss hopes to reach is “the educated general reader,” and “secondary-school students, as well as college and university students enrolled in introductory courses” (p. xii).  One of the purposes of writing this volume is to affirm the legitimacy of climate scientists and their research, as well as highlight how countries have responded—or have failed to respond appropriately—to climate science research and reports. 

Leiss suggests that Canada needs to tackle three things in response to climate change/crisis: Mitigation—the how and why of reducing GHG emissions; how Canadians will likely need to adapt to climate change/crisis, and justice/equity—Canadian responses to achieve goals with consequences for all of humankind. 

As early as the nineteenth century, a connection has been made with CO2 (carbon dioxide) and the warming of the earth’satmosphere. It came to the fore again in the twentieth century, but alas, humankind failed to take it seriously enough to do anything about it. 

It wasn’t until 1988, at the International Conference on the Changing Atmosphere: Implications for Global Security, held in Toronto that the Canadian federal government and the governments of other countries started to make promises to reduce GHG emissions. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has, in thousands of pages, warned the nations of the tragic consequences of ongoing climate change/crisis, which will only worsen if significant action is not taken. However, the agreements, including the one in Paris in 2015 have not been binding. Nations have set goals to reduce GHG emissions by 2030 and 2050. Scientists predict that surpassing a 1.5 degree C warming threshold by 2030, and a 2 degree C threshold by 2050 will likely be catastrophic. So far, Canada and other nations have drastically failed to reach these goals, and most likely will not reach them for a variety of reasons. For example, the oil and gas industry is still funded with billions of dollars, and China is still building coal plants. The developed nations are not spending enough money to fund alternative, environmentally-friendly energy sources in the developing countries. Far too many people doubt the research of climate scientists and live in denial of climate change/crisis. The federal and provincial governments lack the political will to act significantly to reduce CO2 and other GHG emissions. 

This volume is informative, challenging and depressing. Hope for the future is required to motivate citizens, governments and industry to move more quickly to reduce GHG emissions. We need more than analysis, facts and figures, treaties and agreements. Therefore the author could have concluded this volume with a couple of chapters on contributions of First Nations and environmental organisations, and how citizens can connect with them to advocate and work for change and make a difference. Specific stories of what First Nations and environmental organisations are doing and have accomplished would inspire hope for the future. 

Weekend in Black & White - September 6, 2024

 

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Wordlesss Wednesday - August 14, 2024

 

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A Brief Book Review: Remembering: A Novel

A Brief Book Review: Remembering: A Novel

Author: Wendell Berry

Publisher: North Point Press, paperback, 124 pages

Reviewed by Rev. Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson

The Author 

Wendell Berry, lived and taught in New York and California before returning to Kentucky, where he has lived for decades, writing and farming on 75 acres in Henry County. He is a social activist, environmentalist, a supporter of sustainable agriculture, advocate of rural communities, and a Christian pacifist. 

Content

The novel begins with two quotes and a prayer. The two quotes are: “...to him that is joined to all the living there is hope...Ecclesiastes 9:4, and “Let the fragments of love be reassembled in you. Only then will you have true courage.” Hayden Carruth Following these quotes, there is a prayer which is reminiscent of at least two biblical texts from the creation narratives in Genesis, and Isaiah’s call in Isaiah 6. The prayer, in part, begins as follows: “Heavenly muse, Spirit who brooded on the world and raised it shapely out of nothing, touch my lips with fire and burn away all dross of speech, so that I keep in mind the truth and end to which my words now move....” This prayer is followed by 7 chapters: 1. Darkness Visible, 2. An Unknown Room, 3. Remembering, 4. A Long Choosing, 5. A Place Known and Dreamed, 6. Bridal, 7. The Hilltop.

Brief Observations

The novel begins with Andy Catlett—the main protagonist—a small farmer near Port William, Kentucky, who is angry and grieving about the loss of his hand in a farming accident, and whose relationships with his wife Flora and their children are strained. Andy leaves the farm for an agricultural conference. At the conference, he is upset with industrialized-large agribusiness farming which, he believes only exploits both the land and human beings. It is too focussed on analysis rather than the importance of relationships with humans and the land, and caring stewardship of the earth. 

The novel mentions several people—past and present, whom Andy knew of, remembered, cared about, and mentored him. One significant encounter he had was with an Amish farmer, who, Andy thought, lived more in harmony with God’s creation than the large industrialized farmers. 

The novel’s final chapter is a kind of vision for all of creation being restored and renewed, perhaps modelled after Isaiah’s vision of shalom. There is beauty and wonder in the natural world, and forgiveness and reconciliation for human beings. 

One critique of the novel for this reader is that there was too much description—albeit sometimes very poetic—and inadequate dialogue and engagement between human beings. 

In light of Berry’s own life, the novel seems somewhat autobiographical. 

Bennett's Confirmation: June 9, 2024

 

Yesterday I had the honour and privilege of confirming Bennett M. at Skudesness Lutheran Church.

Bennett spoke of his confirmation project, which was the building of a faith chest, and what his faith means to him.

I presented Bennett with a Bible, and gave him his Bible verse, Psalm 46:1: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." This psalm also inspired our ancestor in the faith, Martin Luther, who based his most famous hymn on it: "A Mighty Fortress is our God." The congregation also presented Bennett with a Bible. So now he'll have plenty of opportunities to continue reading the Bible! 

Bennett's parents (mom the auto harp, dad the 12-string guitar) accompanied the congregation for the hymns. Bennett's sister played the piano accompanying us for the liturgy. 

The text for my sermon was a non-lectionary one: 1 Timothy 6:11-12, 20-21, words of encouragement and instruction: "But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid profane chatter and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge; by professing it some have missed the mark as regards the faith. Grace be with you."

All-in-all, it was a wonderful, edifying, joyful, blessed day. 

Weekend in Black & White - May 11, 2024

 

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Funeral Sermon for Linda Nikiforuk

Funeral Sermon by Pastor Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson, for Linda Louise Nikiforuk, based on selected verses from Proverbs 31; Romans 8:35-39; and John 14:1-6, at Bawlf Lutheran Church, on April 26, 2024, at eleven o’clock. 

Linda Louise Nikiforuk has left this life for her eternal home in heaven. The last days of Linda’s life were not easy, suffering from cancer. Nor was it easy for you loved ones to see her suffer. All of you who loved and knew her most will certainly miss her. 

Our Bible passage from Proverbs 31 could very well refer to Linda. The text describes a strong, gifted, resourceful, hardworking, caring and loving woman. Linda had all of those characteristics and more. Some of the other gifts and skills Linda’s family shared with me were her patience, her positive and accepting attitude towards others, her kindness and friendliness, and her generosity. 

Family was extremely important to Linda. She cared for her husband Larry for as long as she was able. She loved to cook for her family, especially her grandkids. She obviously loved cooking for the community too—Linda ran the Bawlf restaurant alone for about 18 years. Like the busy woman described in our passage from Proverbs, Linda kept herself busy with crafts of various kinds. 

Because Linda was a sociable person, she was involved in the community with the Lions Club, Bawlf School, Bawlf Lutheran Church, and was librarian of Bawlf Library. She also supported Alberta Children’s Hospital and the Cross Cancer Centre. 

All of this reminds me of our passage from Romans 8, where the apostle Paul reassures us of God’s love for us all in Christ Jesus. Paul lists several things that are not easy, circumstances in life that are related to and can cause sufferings of various kinds. In Linda’s life there were challenges and hardships—like, for example, the death of four-year-old daughter Lori Anne, and husband Larry’s illness, as well as her own illness at the end of her life. Such circumstances, challenges and hardships can cause people to doubt or wonder about God’s love for us. The apostle Paul who went through many hardships, challenges and sufferings reassures us all that absolutely nothing, even the worst-case scenarios, will not be able to separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord. That gives all of us hope and comfort. Jesus loves us in all circumstances, just as your beloved Linda loved you, her family members, in all circumstances. 

Speaking of Linda’s passionate love for you family members, that reminds me of Linda’s home. Those who occupy a dwelling determine whether it is merely a house or truly a home. The difference between the two is obvious even to a stranger who crosses the threshold for the first time.

A true home has character. A home with character is a home without pretense. It puts up no false front. A true home is a haven of hospitality. No one in need is ever turned away. No one who seeks a shoulder to cry on need look any farther. The door is always open to the friendly visitor. A true home is the lodging place of love. 

Speaking of a true home which is the lodging place of love, Jesus, in our passage from John 14, gives us a wonderful promise. He tells us that he is going to prepare a dwelling place for us in our eternal home—heaven. One day he will come for us to take us there, just as he has done now for Linda. This is Linda’s permanent home, and it will also be our permanent home. Just as Linda loved and gave of herself by caring for her loved ones—so in her eternal home in heaven she will be loved and cared for by the LORD. 

She is in her home where there are no more tears, pain and suffering. No more cancer to rob her of health. No more death. Only life in all of its fullness. Life with a capital L. Love with a capital L. Peace with a capital P. Perfect life, perfect love, perfect peace. 

One day, hopefully you her family members, and indeed everyone here today will want to go to this permanent home in heaven too. Jesus tells us how that will happen. He tells us that he is the way, the truth and the life. He tells us that no one comes to God the Father except through him. We can follow his way, he will lead us in the right path, where we need to go. We can trust his truthfulness—unlike all the false news, conspiracy theories, identity theft, and deceitful worldly truths today. We can live a meaningful life fully now because he blesses us abundantly, and we also can live now with a hopeful future, looking forward to eternal life in the heavenly home. 

What a beautiful promise this is! As the old saying goes: “There’s no place like home.” Isn’t that true? Especially if we’ve been gone away from home for a long time—it is so good to be home. If you have been away from your spouse and family, isn’t it great to have them welcome you back home? Picture it in your heart and mind: Jesus who is our way, truth and life, has gone ahead of us to heaven to prepare our eternal home. He has organized everything—all that we need for the whole of eternity is looked after. WOW! Isn’t that wonderful! What a gift—that’s why we call it God’s grace. 

May God’s grace, help you all to believe in and trust that Jesus is your way to your eternal heavenly home, where you will meet Linda and all other loved ones! 

Wordless Wednesday: April 3, 2024

 

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A Brief Book Review: The Way of the Cross

A Brief Book Review: The Way of the Cross

Author: Richard Holloway, with a Foreword by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie

Publisher: Collins Fount Paperbacks, in association with Faith Press, 121 pages

The Author

The Rev. Richard Holloway, born in Glasgow, completed his theological studies in Edinburgh, London and New York. He was ordained a deacon in 1959, and a priest in 1960, serving two parishes in Glasgow until spending a sabbatical year (1967-8) at Union Theological Seminary in New York. His other pastorates included Old St. Paul’s, Edinburgh, the Church of the Advent, Boston, and Vicar of St. Mary Magdalen, Oxford. He also served as Bishop of Edinburgh, and was elected Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church in 1992. In addition to this volume, he is the author of several other books. 

Contents

This volume, in addition to 8 chapters, consists of Acknowledgements, Foreword by the Archbishop of Canterbury, a poem called Crux by Bob Bridges, and an Epilogue. With the exception of the first chapter, at the end of all the others there are questions for discussion.

Brief Observations

This wee volume contains meditations on seven of the fourteen traditional stations of the cross, combined with commentary on biblical texts and various literary citations, including: The Return of Arthur; The Last of the Just; Murder in the Cathedral and Four Quartets; The Mystery of Suffering; Too Late the Phalarope; The Ballad of Reading Gaol.

According to Holloway, the Passion of Jesus has a multitude of meanings, both reveals insightful truths, and transcends human explanations. The Passion contains revelation and mystery, as well as the presence of evil and holiness. 

Some of the factors the author mentions in the trial and killing of Jesus are: envy, power and its abuse over against weakness and love, the fall and original sin, scapegoating the Jews, Jesus’s acceptance of and public association with women in contrast to the discrimination against women, the sin of self-deception. 

Holloway, without naming them, reflects on the familiar views of atonement—endeavouring to understand and respond to them morally and theologically. He speaks of Jesus in front of us, for us and in us—bringing us forgiveness and new life.

The volume’s short epilogue is titled “Resurrection,” which ends with a citation from C.S. Lewis’s, The Last Battle. 

This little work seems somewhat dated—published in 1986—and contains sexist language; and takes on the Passion that readers might argue about or disagree with.

For others, it may help them in their Lenten spiritual journey. 

Weekend in Black & White - February 3, 2024

 

          

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A Brief Book Review: The Collector

The Collector

Author: Daniel Silva

Publisher: Harper An Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, paperback, 401 pages, including Author’s Note, and Acknowledgments

Reviewed by Rev. Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson

Author

Daniel Silva is a New York Times bestselling author of 25 novels. Many are familiar with his thriller series featuring Gabriel Allon, a spy and art restorer. His novels have been translated into over 30 languages. Silva and his television journalist wife, Jamie Gangel, are the parents of twins, Lily and Nicholas, and they live in Florida. 

Contents

This novel consists of four parts: Part One The Concert, Part Two The Conspiracy, Part Three The Contact, and Part Four The Conclusion. 

The Collector, like most, if not all, of Daniel Silva’s novels has a thrilling plot, involving many characters, and including a number of circumstances, in various places—including Italy, Germany, Denmark, and Russia. It is, like his other novels, a well written page-turner. 

Gabriel Allon supposedly is trying to retire. However, The Concert, by Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, and 13 other works of art have been stolen from Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Through a series of events, Allon eventually becomes involved with the PET, Denmark’s Security and Intelligence Service. The relationship between DanskOil and RuzNeft is not going well, and the Danes want to end it. It is suspected that one or more Russian political and economic elitists were linked to the theft of Vermeer’s painting. Moreover, Allon and other Western intelligence agencies become aware of a Russian plot to, if successful, potentially start a nuclear war. 

Did Allon and the Western intelligence agencies recover the Vermeer painting, and did they succeed in preventing an apocalyptic nightmare? Read the novel to find out.