Meeting at the Milestone

In this moving and profound novel, Sigurd Hoel explores patriotism and treason through the major character's memories of the Resistance Movement in Nazi-occupied Norway during World War II. At the dark center of the work are questions of why certain individuals turn against their own country, their own values, their very selves. Hoel, who was himself active in the Resistance, has created a complex web of fact and fiction in which the “good” Norwegians and the traitors are not always easily distinguishable. This is an absorbing tale of adventure, set in ta fateful time, by the author of The Road to the World's End (Sun & Moon Press) and The Troll Circle.

Sigurd Hoel (1890-1960) was one of the most influential literary figures in Norway between the wars. His scope was broad; besides being a major novelist, he was a subtle and incisive critic, a vigorous cultural commentator, and a distinguished editor.

The translator, Sverre Lyngstad, is noted for his studies of Ivan Goncharov, Sigurd Hoel, Jonas Lie and, forthcoming, Knut Hamsun. He has translated numerous books by Hamsun, and works by Hoel and other Scandinavian writers such as Kjell Askildsen, Knut Faldbakken and Arne Garborg.