Book Review: Om udregning af rumfang II by Solvej Balle
When I stumbled upon Om udregning af rumfang II, the translated work by Solvej Balle, my curiosity was immediately piqued. The exploration of existential repetition, coupled with the concept of time itself as a malleable entity, felt like an invigorating breath of fresh air. As someone who often fantasizes about stepping off life’s carousel, I was eager to see how Tara Selter navigates her own peculiar predicament—caught in an endless loop of November 18ths.
The novel picks up where its predecessor left off, with Tara in Paris, grappling with the realization that she doesn’t belong there, nor with Thomas, her husband. This feeling of being adrift resonates deeply. As she states, “I am a strange creature that ought not to be among people with a direction,” we recognize her struggle to redefine not only her sense of identity but the very essence of time itself. What follows is a journey that transforms her into an observer rather than an active participant in her narrative, a theme that feels particularly poignant in a fast-paced world where we often overlook the stories unfolding around us.
Balle’s writing is beautifully introspective, inviting us into Tara’s mind as she travels across Europe on trains, capturing conversations that not only entertain but also add layers to her search for meaning. I was captivated by the way Tara articulates her experiences, especially when she discusses the peculiar relationship between time and memory: “for her, time is a container…it is a day one can step into.” This concept, while challenging, allows for rich contemplation about how we experience our own lives. Tara’s fear of losing her past, of being trapped in her cyclical existence, is a reminder of the fragility of our narratives.
What truly struck me was the blend of philosophical inquiry with personal revelation that Balle employs. Her prose invites readers to reflect on their own lives, as seen when Tara muses about seasons being less meteorological phenomena and more psychological constructs: “Without seasons, no time.” This line hit home. It made me think about how we all construct our realities, year after year, day after endless day.
As I read, I couldn’t help but acknowledge the pacing of the novel. The short diary entries create an urgency that compels you to keep turning the pages, and I found myself devouring it in less than 90 minutes. Yet, I think the depth of Balle’s ideas begs for slower contemplation. I often paused, wishing to linger longer over her thoughts, allowing them to seep deeper into my consciousness.
The book culminates in a striking moment of rediscovery for Tara, as she finds a Roman sestertius—an artifact that symbolizes not just her ties to the past, but her reconnection with the idea of history as a container of meaning. It was a profound reminder of how the past informs the present and how we can craft our future through the pieces we collect along our journeys.
Om udregning af rumfang II speaks to anyone who has felt the stirrings of existential doubt, those yearning for change yet fearful of the unknown. It intertwines themes of memory, identity, and the relentless march of time, ultimately encouraging readers to build their seasons, their narratives, and their new beginnings.
In reflecting on my reading experience, I can genuinely say that Balle’s work has left an imprint on me. It challenged me to reconsider how I navigate my own days and to appreciate the beauty in the fleeting moments that shape our lives. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone ready to embark on a contemplative journey through the intricacies of existence.
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