In this novel, Tollak is portrayed as an eccentric, stubborn, and angry man who lives in the past and despises the modern world. His only companion is Oddo, an intellectually disabled boy he took under his wing. Tollak’s wife, Ingeborg, disappeared some years ago, and he has invited his children, Jan Vidar and Hillevi, to his home to reveal the truth about her disappearance. Tollak is also battling stomach cancer and has decided to give up drinking for this important evening.
The narrative is a mix of matter-of-fact storytelling and intense, poetic descriptions, primarily through Tollak’s inner monologue. The story explores Tollak and Ingeborg’s relationship, a love that transcended their differences. Tollak was reclusive, while Ingeborg was outgoing, and their opposite personalities didn’t always mesh. However, their love endured, even though Tollak kept hidden sides from Ingeborg.
Their marriage began when they fell in love as young individuals. Ingeborg’s father was skeptical of their union, as he believed it would end poorly. Tollak admitted to Ingeborg that he had a troubled past but assured her he had changed. Despite their differences, they grew to appreciate each other’s unique qualities. Ingeborg’s depression cast a shadow over their relationship at times, but Tollak patiently endured it, knowing that the darkness would eventually pass.
Tollak’s biggest problem is his anger, a trait that ran in his family. His anger caused a rift with his brother, leading to an eight-year estrangement. His daughter, Hillevi, despises him for his anger and advocates for modern, progressive values in her newspaper work. In contrast, his son, Jan Vidar, tries to maintain a relationship with his father, despite the tension. The children bring a sense of worth to Tollak’s life, and he shares a unique bond with Oddo, whom he loves deeply.
On the crucial evening when Tollak plans to reveal the truth about Ingeborg’s disappearance, he struggles to stay sober while awaiting his children’s arrival. Despite his intentions, he ultimately gives in to alcohol. He finally confesses to his children that he killed Ingeborg in a fit of rage, beating her to death. He insists that he is a man of love, not a killer, claiming that something inside him took over during that moment.
After killing Ingeborg, Tollak put her body in the trunk of an old Citroen, and Oddo helped him. He deceived everyone by reporting Ingeborg as missing after a hiking trip. When the search for her came to a halt, Tollak and Oddo buried the car in Vestmarka, a place where many discarded waste. Tollak’s children were unaware of these dark secrets, but everyone in town knew about Oddo being Tollak’s son. Tollak and Oddo became more isolated after Ingeborg’s death, shunning modern technology and retreating into their own world.
Tollak’s health deteriorates, marked by tooth loss and the discovery of a black mark on his body. He visits the doctor and is diagnosed with stomach cancer. Oddo’s mother reappears, making accusations against Tollak. He remembers their encounter as a drunken seduction rather than a rape.
Ingeborg’s desire to move to the city and her family gatherings stirred Tollak’s anger. He isolated her from her friends and family, a source of conflict in their relationship. Tollak reflects on his unspoken regrets and the last words Ingeborg said to him: “Don’t do it, Tollak, I love you.”
As Tollak waits for his children, Jan Vidar and Hillevi, to arrive for his confession, he becomes increasingly restless and gives in to alcohol. He manages to share the truth about Ingeborg’s murder with his children, recounting how her depression led to their deteriorating relationship and her cruel words about Oddo. He reveals that he lost control, and it led to her death.
After the emotional confrontation with his children, they leave, never to return. Tollak, struggling with his own emotions, walks outside and discovers that Oddo has set Vestmarka on fire. The novel ends with Tollak’s sense of longing for Ingeborg.
This novel provides a unique and intense glimpse into Tollak’s complex character. Tollak is a man of few words, lost in the modern world, battling anger, and searching for redemption in his final days. His inner struggles, dark secrets, and the haunting consequences of his actions create a compelling narrative. The story’s poetic and matter-of-fact style adds depth to Tollak’s character, making it a thought-provoking and emotionally charged read.