New Swedish Books. Autumn 2016 1
AUTUMN 2016 On Ofissim Malte Persson is a consist
ently unpredictable author – a fiction writer, poet, critic, children’s book author, columnist. His texts often have an unexpected twist, they are serious but with pointed humour. On Ofissim is a genrebusting work. Short texts, like poems, carry a narrative that sometimes comes close to aphorism. It is an original, fictional life story. The character Ofissim is mysterious and particular, he seems to have stepped out of another time, yet belongs to all ages, a self-regarding man, arrogant in his education and very conscious of his assumed status. He is overflowing with opinions and projects: scientific, social, philosophical, but none of them succeeds. His many followers are just as silly. The reader might be led to conclude whether he actually represents some kind of Everyman, one who is everyone, you and I, in our vain striving for reassurance. Malte Persson ON OFISSIM Albert Bonniers Förlag Rights: Albert Bonniers Förlag 19