Marie Grubbe: Seventeenth Century Interiors

by Jens Peter Jacobsen

Book Overview

Marie Grubbe is loosely based on the true story of a Danish noble woman of the same name.
A wealthy heiress she married the illegitimate son of Frederik The Third of Denmark and Norway. The relationship was unhappy and violent, and, after she had had several affairs, her husband divorced her allowing her to keep her substantial dowry. For the next two years, Marie Grubbe travelled around Europe with her brother-in-law and lover spending the fortune...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1909232289
• ISBN13: 9781909232280
• Release Date: February 2016
• Publisher: Dedalus
• Length: 280 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 4.9" x 7.7"

Customer Reviews

Did he say "charming"?

By most critical estimations, Jacobsen's other novel, 'Niels Lynhe', is far superior to 'Marie Grubbe'. I agree, but I still give this one 5 stars. If he is a little awkward at times, and if there are some technical issues which could be smoothed out, or some squishing or stretching that might or might not be wanted, he is forgiven. It is clearly written by the same wonderfully sensitive and poetic man who wrote 'Niels Lyhne', a fact that allows for some advance stars. Jacobsen has a scientist's eye for detail and a botanist's eye on the edge of the path, often pausing to share his mental notebook with the reader, while the narrative is suspended, without suffering, with uncommon ease. The story-line is simple, but well told. There is something about this little book which I find very appealing, it stays in the front of my head, it is distinct, defined, almost underlined, almost sparkling, charming. -- It might help, although its not necessary, to have a general understanding of 16th and 17th century Scandanavian history. The notes at the end of the text (oddly titled 'Preferatory') are helpful, but...