The new novel by Per Petterson (b. 1952), Norway's number one writer and the most widely read contemporary Norwegian prose writer in the world, is the story of the relationship between a mother and son. Having learned that his mother has cancer, the hero, who himself is going through the drama of divorce, leaves with her, and they spend several days together. These days mean a lot in their lives, they begin to better understand and feel each other’s pain. Among other things, this novel is an amazing study of human stupidity and naivety, a fascinating description of how narrow-minded even a smart person can be in relationships with people and in politics people. For the book “I Curse the River of Time,” Petterson was awarded the Nordic Council and Medici Prizes.