‘The Norwegian Merethe Lindstrøm delivers two qualities at the same time: to begin with, she announces herself with Days in the History of Silence as an author who also deserves to be read in our language area. Subsequently, the opening sentence and, by extension, the entire first chapter immediately demonstrate the superior literary quality of the novel.’
★★★★★ (5 out of 5)
De Standaard der Letteren, Belgium

‘In a long inner monologue, Eva struggles with the new certainty of a commitment that is less easy to achieve. Lindstrøm’s prose is subtle, evocative and evocative. A word like ‘loneliness’ is not mentioned anywhere, but sounds unmistakably between the lines. Well done.’
De Volkskrant, Netherlands

‘Merethe Lindstrøm explores in this extremely intimate, beautiful novel how the past can’t be undone, no matter how much it likes to cover it up.’
Trouw, Netherlands

‘Something as rare as an author it is essential to read. (…) One of the real finds of this year’s autumn book season.’
Vidar Kvalshaug, Aftenposten 

‘Merethe Lindstrøm shows the suggestive power of a writer who has faith in her material. The result is a little masterpiece of a book (…) It is impressive how Lindstrøm composes a little chamber play, holding a mirror up to an existence so fragile and delicate without having to resort to big words. The language is simple, elegant and pleasing, but the mood is so evocative in its quiet drama. Lindstrøm is well known as a highly polished writer of short stories, but here she comprehensively demonstrates her command of the larger canvas too. (…) Through an elegant, epic technique of cuttings, she creates a textual mosaic of a life that deserves a multitude of readers.’
Silje M. Stavrum Norevik, Dagbladet 

‘With Days in the History of Silence Merethe Lindstrøm has written one of this autumn’s best novels. In unobtrusive, elegant and incisive prose, she has produced a drama of everyday life which insinuates itself under the reader’s skin. (…) Merethe Lindstrøm is never ostentatious, and she does not use original metaphors, irony or subtext, instead depending completely on the power of her own subdued, explicit prose. There is therefore an insistent seriousness about this novel that does not fail to leave an impression of great credibility and authenticity.’
Turid Larsen, Dagsavisen

‘Stylish and clever. Merethe Lindstrøm is not only an outstanding, but also an intelligent, stylist. (…) With Days in the History of Silence she takes a stylistic step further in the methodology of depicting human fates, and this novel is one of the best she has written to date.’
Margunn Vikingstad, Dag og Tid

‘… an intimate and intense narrative about losing oneself through losing other people. (…) One of this year’s most memorable novels.’
5/6, Sindre Hovdenakk, Verdens Gang 

‘Merethe Lindstrøm’s new novel Days in the History of Silence is an unusually good account of important matters; matters we cannot keep silent about if things are to go well for us in life. (…) Merethe Lindstrøm’s book is exceptionally well written, wise and beautiful in its approach to the problem of concealment and the lack of sociability in old age.’
Leif Ekle, NRK P2