This Norwegian author's political jokes in The Redbreast are like his funny exchange about rock and roll in The Devil's Star. Here as there, Nesbø takes an odd, unexpected approach to a subject about which it is far too easy to be far too serious.Here's The Redbreast's little gem of a comic take on politics:
"I read that a well-known American psychologist thinks the President [of the United States] has an MPD," Ellen said.
"MPD?"
"Multiple Personality Disorder. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The psychologist thought his normal personality was not aware that the other one, the sex beast, was having relations with all these women. And that was why a Court of Impeachment couldn't accuse him of having lied under oath about it."
"Jesus," Harry said, looking up at the helicopter hovering high above them.
On the radio, someone speaking with a Norwegian accent asked, "Mr. President, this is the fourth visit to Norway by a sitting U.S. President. How does it feel?"Anyone who has suffered through the banality of an American political news conference ought to love that one. What I like are the sly buildup and the gentle yet pointed satire on a subject about which another writer might have been strident.
Pause.
"It's really nice to be back here. And I see it as even more important that the leaders of the state of Israel and of the Palestinian people can meet here. The key to – "
"Can you remember anything from your previous visit to Norway, Mr. President?"
"Yes, of course. In today's talks, I hope that we can – "
"What significance have Oslo and Norway had for world peace, Mr. President?"
"Norway has had an important role."
A voice without a Norwegian accent: "What concrete results does the President consider to be realistic?"
The recording was cut and someone from the studio took over.
So, readers, give me some examples of political satire and humor from your favorite crime stories.
© Peter Rozovsky 2007
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Jo Nesbo
Norwegian crime fiction
Scandinavian Crime Fiction
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