Review of "Will and Testament: A Novel" by Vigdis Hjorth

This book, set in Norway, revolves around the unresolved childhood trauma of a middle-aged woman named Bergljot. Bergljot is a divorced theater critic with three grown children who's been estranged from her parents and sisters for decades. Bergljot is drawn back into her family's orbit when her brother Bård, who's also alienated from their parents, contacts her about an inheritance. Bergljot and Bård's parents bequeathed their two vacation cabins to their daughters Astrid and Åsa instead of to all four siblings. Bård is deeply hurt and angry, and wants something done about this injustice. The parents say that their wills are structured so that Bård and Bergljot receive monetary compensation for the cabins, and that all four children - Bård, Bergljot, Astrid, and Åsa - will inherit equally in the end. However Bård insists the cabins have been undervalued....and besides, he and his grown children might want to vacation there in the future. Bergljot sides with her brother, and a family imbroglio ensues. It's not clear why the parents start this brouhaha, but the (seemingly) spiteful act may relate to Bård and Bergljot's distance from the family. In Bergljot's case, she's separated from her parents and sisters because they don't believe allegations she made about being harmed as a child. Bergljot thinks they're being willfully obtuse and can't bear to be in their company. Over the years Bergljot's sister Astrid has attempted to broker a reconciliation between Bergljot and the family. Astrid's suggestion is that everyone 'forgive and forget', with no acknowledgement of wrongdoing on anyone's part. Berljot - who wants an admission and an apology - is hurt and infuriated by this proposition. The current family dispute is interspersed with flashbacks to earlier events in Bergljot's life, including her childhood, her work, her marriage, her children, her divorce, etc. The point of the novel seems to be the impossibility of righting a wrong without admitting it happened - and the burden of guilt borne by everyone involved. The publication of this book caused an uproar in Norway because it's said to be based on the life of the author Vigdis Hjorth, who calls the story fiction. Nevertheless, the author's sister Helga Hjorth penned a 'rebuttal book.' You can read about the furor online if you're interested, but wait until after you read the book to avoid spoilers. Author Vigdis Hjorth Rating: 3 stars