The story tackles the torment of psychiatric illness as experienced by the central character, who narrates his whole life from birth to death, as he gradually succumbs to the terrors of mental illness and the equally horrific treatment applied to its sufferers. Despite the air of tragedy that pervades the whole work, the tale ripples with humour as it presents a whole pantheon of colourful characters, whose inner worlds are larger than life.

• Nordic Council Literature Prize 1995
• The DV Cultural Prize for Literature 1994

English translation available
Adapted into an award-winning motion picture directed by Oscar nominee Fridrik Thor Fridriksson