Writer Karl Ove Knausgaard relives the story of his life, from childhood to the death of his father. .

The first book in the six volume cycle of autobiographical novels

His memoir has been described, in many countries as a ‘masterpiece’. With searing honesty, and an unflinching gaze turned upon himself and those around him he writes about his teenage years in Norway. Then later looks back on the writing of this book, the changes in his life and his second marriage to Linda, and the arrival of their children. Becoming a father prompts further reflections on family life and his relationship with his own father.

Karl was born in December 1968. He published two novels in 1998 and 2004, both won prizes in Norway.

The six volume series of novels titled in Norwegian ‘Min Kamp’ were published between 2009 and 2011 , totalling over 3,500 pages. The sixth and final volume was due out in English, translated by Don Bartlett in 2017.

Karl lives in Sweden, with his wife, the writer Linda Boström Knausgåard, and their four children.

Omnibus of the first five of ten parts.

Translated by Don Bartlett.

Read by David Threlfall

Abridged by Isobel Creed and Jill Waters

Producer: Jill Waters

A Waters Company Production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2017. Show less