Novel Details Life in Stor-Elvdal

Tyra Teodora Tronstad’s new novel portrays life in the Stor-Elvdal valley in Norway, focusing on the impact of the Glomma river. The book centers on Ingemar Smedplassen, a widower who contributes to a local literary journal. He believes the river shaped and destroyed everything in the valley, a sentiment echoed in old letters pleading for reduced taxes.

The story follows Ingemar and his daughter Gunn, an academic returning home during the pandemic. Gunn’s childhood was marked by tragedy when the river took her mother and sister in 1980. The novel contrasts Ingemar’s traditional lifestyle with his neighbors, Leif and Ester, who are devout pinewood Christians.

Their children, Gunn and Pelle, share a close bond that later fractures. Gunn eventually leaves for Oslo, seeking a life beyond the valley, while Ingemar grapples with a hidden guilt.

The author blends humor, irony, and observation in this multi-generational story. The novel leaves unanswered what specific secret burdens Ingemar’s conscience. The work continues with Tronstad’s exploration of place and family.