by Jon Fosse
Volume 1
The first-person narrator, ASLE, gazes at a painting he just completed. It features two intersecting diagonal lines, one purple and one brown, with blended colors that please him. However, he suddenly loses interest and wants to store it with his unfinished works.
ASLE, in his mid-sixties, lives an isolated life in Dylgja, Norway, following the death of his beloved wife, ALES. He only regularly interacts with his neighbor, ASLEIK. As Christmas approaches, ASLE prepares for his annual exhibition at the Beyer Gallery in Bjørgvin, where ASLEIK selects a painting in exchange for the support he provides. ASLE’s sister, ALIDA, passed away during childhood.
Earlier that day, ASLE goes to Bjørgvin, has lunch at a coffeehouse, and drives by his friend ASLE’s apartment. This ASLE, who struggles with alcoholism, envisions his friend shaking uncontrollably. He contemplates his past, including memories of his son, first wife LIV, and the pain of losing his children in his second marriage to SIV.
On the road, ASLE reflects on his deep faith, and a young couple near a rented house triggers a memory of his past with ALES. He prays with the rosary she gave him. ASLEIK, waiting for him at home, engages in a familiar but unusual conversation, questioning ASLE’s devotion to painting. ASLE recounts his artistic journey from painting houses to abstract art.
ASLE drives past the house he shares with ALES’ aunt, and he invites ASLEIK inside. ASLEIK mentions his plans to visit his sister in Instefjord for Christmas and wonders why she never found a new partner. ASLEIK sails to Instefjord and invites ASLE, who declines in favor of attending church and painting a nativity-inspired piece. ASLEIK notices a painting on ASLE’s easel.
ASLE sees the other ASLE in his apartment, considering a visit to an alehouse to possibly meet GURO, a woman he knows from the past. He recalls his history with GURO and his struggle with alcoholism.
Back in Dylgja, ASLE decides to return to Bjørgvin to check on ASLE, who has been left alone. ASLEIK accompanies him part of the way, and ASLE notices the painting on the easel resembles a St. Andrew’s Cross. They plan for ASLEIK to select a painting the following evening.
On his way, ASLE stops at the house by the playground and sees the young couple, creating snow angels. He drives to Bjørgvin, visits ASLE’s apartment, and finds ASLE on the ground in the snow, shaking uncontrollably. ASLE helps him into the alehouse, where ASLEIK feeds him a shot. ASLE discusses his sobriety and faith while ASLE continues to struggle. Eventually, ASLE takes ASLE to the Clinic, where ASLE hallucinates.
Leaving the clinic, ASLE goes to a bar for food and encounters GURO, who remembers him and invites him to her apartment. He realizes he needs the keys to get his dog, Bragi, from the clinic. Returning to the clinic, he discovers ASLE has been transferred to the Hospital. A handyman helps him unlock ASLE’s apartment and take Bragi to the Beyer Gallery. ASLE, lost in the snow, meets GURO, who guides him to his hotel, sharing memories he can’t recall.
Volume II:
After a restless night, ASLE has breakfast and retrieves Bragi from GURO’s apartment. He drives back to Dylgja, reminiscing about childhood moments with ALES. ASLEIK arrives with food and expresses interest in choosing a painting for his sister. ASLE reflects on his artwork and expresses a desire to join ASLEIK for Christmas.
ASLE examines his painting and considers it finished, titling it ‘St Andrew’s Cross.’ While praying, he recalls a disturbing childhood incident involving the Bald Man.