A Death in the Family

by Karl Ove Knausgaard
A Death in the Family cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Literary Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 620
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-09-18
  • ISBN: 9781446496992
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2012-03-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
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Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99

Karl Ove Knausgaard's 'A Death in the Family' is a searingly honest and addictive novel that explores the intricacies of childhood, family dynamics, and the profound impact of grief. The narrative delves into Knausgaard's own life, from his teenage years and infatuation with rock music to his complex relationships with his parents and his journey as a new father. The book is celebrated for its painful honesty and universal themes, making it a powerful and mesmerizing read. Written with a sense of urgency, as if the author's very life were at stake, 'A Death in the Family' is a profound exploration of the struggles, both great and small, that define our lives. It has been praised as a masterpiece, with its depiction of a family's disintegration being particularly powerful. This novel is a testament to Knausgaard's ability to create a universal story that resonates deeply with readers.

Reviews
Content Catnip · Content Catnip · 2018-01-03
emotional 4.25

This mammoth memoir grabs hold of the marrow of Knausgaard's family, friends, and relationships. It is a deeply personal and raw exploration of his life.

The reviewer describes the book as a mammoth memoir that delves deeply into Knausgaard's family, friends, and relationships. They appreciate the raw and personal nature of the writing, which makes the narrative feel deeply intimate and emotional. The reviewer also notes that the book's length and detail can be overwhelming, but the emotional depth and honesty make it a compelling read. They particularly appreciate the way Knausgaard explores the complexities of human relationships and the impact of death on his life.

Quick quotes

    This mammoth six part memoir really grabs a hold to the marrow of his family, friends and sexual relationships – the blood and bone.

    Knausgaard's writing is raw and deeply personal, making the narrative feel intimate and emotional.

    The book's length and detail can be overwhelming, but the emotional depth and honesty make it a compelling read.

Jacqui Wine's Blog · Jacqui Wine · 2015-02-25
candid 3.75

The writing is raw and candid, giving the narrative an unfiltered feel. The scenes involving Karl Ove's grandmother are particularly poignant.

The reviewer is struck by the raw and candid nature of Knausgaard's writing, which makes the narrative feel unfiltered and deeply personal. They particularly appreciate the scenes involving Knausgaard's grandmother, which are described as poignant and emotionally resonant. The reviewer also notes that the book's length and detail can be overwhelming at times, but the emotional depth and honesty make it a worthwhile read.

Quick quotes

    The writing is raw and candid, giving the narrative an unfiltered feel.

    The scenes involving Karl Ove's grandmother are particularly poignant.

    Knausgaard's honesty is both compelling and unsettling.

The Guardian · Xan Brooks · 2012-04-25
profound 4.00

The book is a deeply personal and introspective exploration of Knausgaard's life, offering a raw and unfiltered look at his experiences. It is both profound and deeply moving.

This review highlights how the book is a fictionalised autobiography that delves into Knausgaard's life with painful honesty. The reviewer appreciates the raw and candid writing style, which makes the narrative feel deeply personal and intimate. They also note that the book is a profound exploration of life and death, making it a deeply moving read. However, the reviewer also acknowledges that the book's length and detail might be overwhelming for some readers.

Quick quotes

    This is a book that demands to be read slowly, savoured, and pondered.

    Knausgaard writes with a brutal honesty that is both compelling and unsettling.

    A deeply personal and introspective exploration of life and death.

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