Booktalk on a Sunday 32. Henrik Ibsen and Italy

I am reading Ibsen these days. Even though I am a Norwegian girl, having lived in Norway all my life, I can't say that I've read much Ibsen. I studied some of his plays and poems in school yes, and I see them at the theatre from time to time (Saw The Wild Duck in January). But really read Ibsen........

So one of my goals for this my 50th year is to read all his plays and poems. Read them, study them, enjoy them.....

When Henrik Ibsen wrote A Doll's House, he lived at the Amalfi Coast in Italy, in Ravello. A Doll's House is set in Norway, but the clue to the story is the year Nora and her husband spent in Italy, in this beautiful area near Capri. Their year spent there gave Helmer his health back and saved the couple from death and catastrophy, though it is also the year there which now threatens to ruin everything......

We visited the Amalfi Coast last summer. Breathing in it's beaty, drinking it's amazing charm. Driving through villages I let my camera work itself hot.

We spent the night up in Ravello, the village where Ibsen lived. Visited Villa Cimbrone and had dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Amalfi Bay. 

Sat down in fading daylight, enjoyed food and tourquise sea while darkness wrapped us up. On top of the world, on top of a firework down in the bay.

Ibsen must have eaten here, enjoyed the view. I wonder if he ever had a meal with Nora and Helmer........

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Photos from Amalfi and Ravello last summer.

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Today is Fastelavn Sunday. I am up early to bake "fastelavnsboller", with my camera ready for photos for The Blue Café. Lent starts on Wednesday. Lent is alot about food for me. Not food extravaganza, but simple, everyday food, prepared with love, prepared with food of the season, prepared with the fresh colours of the rainbow.

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Blog of the week:

I've recently discovered Miss Maddie's. Come over and take a look yourself.

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Follow the links and you are taken to books and stories around the world.

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Update:

The fastelavsnboller recipe is now up in The Blue Café. There you will also find a link to where you can look through my lent book online, and where you can put an order if you are interested.

Comments

[Jo]

Beautiful photos. It has always amazed me how they can build homes on the side of a mountain like that and they not slide off into the sea. Unfortunately the home builders in California have not acquired that gift of know how, because when they build like that the homes slide into the ocean after a hard rain.

[Jeanne]

How lovely and beautiful is all that you share.
Love Jeanne ^j^

[Suki]

Quite fascinating about Ibsen. I have loved Ibsen for years. In college, I acted in "Rosmersholm." I was Rebecca West. How neat to see the area where he wrote "The Doll's House." Of course, I have always envisioned him in dark, somber Norway (sorry, this is just my image which may be so wrong). So it is wonderful to see the bright colorful area where he lived at one point. Thank you. A well told post as all yours are. Thought out and shaped.

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Suki, I plan to read Rosmersholm next. Finished A Doll's House today, and am now reading Chocolat by Joanne Harris.

[Darla]

Thanks for the link to a new to me blog. I'm waiting to see the fastelavnsboller post at the Blue Cafe.

Darla

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I hope to post it tonight Darla.

[Mike]

Lovely to see on a cold January day. Thank you.

[Carolyn]

Enjoyed your book talk today and the pictures of the macroons too, so colorful. I've never had these but am fond of American macoroons made of coconut, and I like mine with the bottom dipped in dark rich chocolate. Wish I had one this minute to indulge :-). Going over to the blue cafe now to see your baking. Have a peaceful day.

[Shelby]

always beautiful photos here.. I liked Miss Maddie's place... enjoy the weekend :)

[Linda]

Gosh, that area of Italy looks fabulous. I know the name of Ibsen but never read anything of his. I have a feeling it would be heavy going for me.

[michelle of bleeding espresso]

I've only read a couple things by Ibsen, but I've always enjoyed his writing. Didn't know that he was here in Italy while writing "A Doll's House" though. Makes me want to re-read :)

[Mo'a]

Beautiful photos of Italy...I was in Italy in October for the first time...fell in love with the country and the people.
In Iceland Bolludagur is tomorrow. When I looked at your fastelavnsboller it brought me right back to my childhood...how I wish I could have some tomorrow.

[Barbara]

I never knew Ibsen lived a time on the Almafi Coast. I have never been but understand it is a fantastic place and your photos back this up.
Those coloured cakes look interesting, the cream bun I was just about topick up as I am just drinking a cup of tea.

[qualcosa di bello]

i've never made it passed sorrento & capri, but your photos make me believe i should consider going further!

[Paula]

Your pictures are fabulous. I feel like I was standing there with you, watching the fireworks. The Doll House sounds intriguing. I am going to try to find a copy.

[Mary Ellen]

Spending a month in Italy is on the top of my Life List. I followed the link and looked at your wonderful book. I wish there was an English version. The format and pictures are lovely.

[Rondi]

I have always loved Ibsen ever since I studied him in high school. I've since taught him and seen his plays. I was so disappointed when we were in Oslo in 2005 to find the museum there closed to get ready for his big birthday year of 2006. But we did get to go to Skien and see the house there, at least.

I really enjoyed this post. Beautiful pictures, interesting information. I, too, wish your book were in English!

[Mountain Mama]

Your photos are lovely, as usual. Its so wonderful to see pictures of places I have wondered about. You have a talent for catching wonderful photos.
Oh yes, the cream buns look delicious.

[Ruth]

Who wouldn't be inspired to write there? It must be breathtaking to be there, sit there. I had no idea he wrote "A Doll's House" in a place like that.

[Sara]

Good morning from California!

I have been stopping by your blog(s) now and then and enjoying your photos and your writings...may I add you to my sidebar on my "Much Ado About Something" blog?

These photos are so beautiful...I feel almost as though I am there.

[Mari-Nanci]

Thank you so much, for giving me this breathtaking tour!!!!

Mari-Nanci