Across the China Sea

Just before the Second World War a couple opens their own care home for the “mentally deficient”. In addition to their little family of four – father, mother, son and daughter – their rooms are soon filled with patients: the religious brooder Christian Jensen; the silent Matiassen, forever sitting and rocking to and fro, and Uncle Josef, one of the best-read people in the district. After a while a group of five brothers and sisters also move in. Josef calls them simply “the boobies from Stavanger” but nevertheless they soon become part of this motley family.

The war ends, but those living in the little “madhouse” will have anything but peace. For soon they are to suffer a tragedy that will pursue them for the rest of their lives.

With a story based on real events Gaute Heivoll has written a deeply humanistic novel about defenseless individuals, the ties between brothers and sisters and a mother's lifelong love for her child.

Foreign sales: Denmark (Rosinante), Netherlands (Prometheus), Slovenia (Zala), Sweden (Norstedts), USA (Worldwide English rights, Graywolf)

Critical acclaim:

5/6 - "Beautiful prose about the greatness of small lives. Across the China Sea is a story with lots of humour and good natured comedy"(VG)

"Again Heivoll shows his brilliance as a storyteller ... a powerful, original, deeply moving story ... in long parts this novel is both beautiful and disturbing" (Dagsavisen)

"In shimmering prose Heivoll portrays everyday life and the paralyzing grief that arises when tragedy strikes a family ... Heivoll has never been as good as this before ... Heivoll guides the reader into this extended family community with a unique understanding of people." (Adresseavisen)

5/6 - "Heivoll makes little people big in this captivating novel" (Fædrelandsvennen)

"He has done it again. This is Heivoll at his best." (Hamar Arbeiderblad)

"Some of it is provoking. Some of it sad. Some of it funny. Some of it strange. With great warmth. Love. And song ... Heivoll's story affects you. Such a unique story of extraordinary lives. Of respect for other people. And the value of just being yourself." (Telemarksavisa)

"No matter which reality Heivoll sets his stories against, he writes with a great human conscience." (Klassekampen)

"Heivoll's ability to mix real stories with artistic freedom is impressive, and few other writers can do this better than him." (Studvest)

"His writer's gaze manages to catch the people of the story. And his reliable pen makes them come alive to us ... ACROSS THE CHINA SEA is characterised by a powerful humanity. It makes a powerful impression on the reader. Heivoll gives them life, all God's fragile children of the sun. In this way, the novel becomes a book which both moves and makes us understand." (Vårt Land)

"A melancholic, atmospheric story" (Bergens Tidende)

"Gaute Heivoll is an eminent storyteller ... he is a writer who doesn't only aim to entertain, but also to make us aware of values that are at the very core of us, as individuals and society" (Dagen)