The Quiet Girl

Peter Hoeg

This book is almost impossible for me to describe. It contains a strong element of surrealism, and reminds me of Kafka; only instead of being dark and heavy this is light and uplifting. Moreover, it is very profound and presents a unique view or perspective of reality and its relationship with sound and music.

The setting for the book is Denmark, and the main character is a circus clown of great renown. Kaspar Krone, the protagonist, is a man possessing supernatural qualities of hearing, as he can hear life on many levels. I can’t even begin to explain or describe his powers and his insights. The book hangs together with an interesting plot and fascinating characters while it lifts off into the realm of philosophical fantasy.

This novel is very unique and transcends so much of what is ordinary in literature that it really defies description. If you are an adventurous reader and would like to read a very incredible novel that is extraordinary in very many ways, give this one a try. Hoeg may go down as one of the 21st Century’s most insightful authors. On the book jacket this novel is described as a “philosophical thriller” and while that does not do it full justice it is a pointer in the direction of getting to the core of what it is about.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and I think that many of our discerning readers who are interested in sampling something profound and off the beaten track will find this not only entertaining but quite possibly very enlightening.

Review by Len Oppenheim

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