Između života i smrti: Jama Kristijana Šestog
A magnificent work set in the mining community of Røros in 19th century Norway. The story of the struggle for survival leaves a powerful impression, and Falkberget's ability to combine folk tradition with universal themes makes the work timeless.
The story follows the life of pastor Benjamin Sigismund and his family, weaving historical and folk material with profound portraits of characters struggling with moral, spiritual, and existential challenges. Sigismund, a man torn between duty and personal passions, faces a difficult life in the harsh environment of the mines, where poverty, faith, and love shape destinies.
The novel explores themes of faith, redemption, and inner struggle, depicting miners and their families “floating between life and death” in a harsh landscape. Characters like Gunhild, Benjamin’s wife, and the miners who face the dangers of their work shine in their simplicity and strength, each waging their own struggle for dignity and victory over themselves. Falkberget masterfully combines historical context with intimate psychological portraits, and descriptions of nature and mining life evoke the harshness and beauty of Norway.
The subtitle “Christian VI’s Pit” refers to the real copper mine in Røros, named after the Danish-Norwegian King Christian VI (r. 1730–1746), which was crucial to the development of mining in the region. The mine symbolizes the historical context and the harsh working conditions, where the lives of the miners were constantly exposed to danger. In the story, the mine is more than a place of work – it is a metaphor for the existential struggle and spiritual testing of the characters. Falkberget uses this name to emphasize the historical roots of the story and its connection to Norwegian tradition, while at the same time highlighting the drama of human struggle in extreme conditions.
One copy is available
