In a candid and wide-ranging interview, Jo Nesbø, the acclaimed Norwegian author behind the bestselling Harry Hole detective series, opens up about his life, fears, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. At 66, Nesbø reflects on a multifaceted career that spans football, music, finance, and literature, with his work translated into 51 languages and over 60 million books sold worldwide.
From Football Fields to Literary Fame
Born in Oslo, Nesbø's early aspirations leaned towards sports, as he played for Molde in Norway's premier football league until an injury cut his career short. After military service and earning an economics degree, he ventured into finance while simultaneously forming the band Di Derre, which achieved chart-topping success in Norway. His literary breakthrough came in 1997 with "The Bat," the first installment in the Harry Hole series, which has since been adapted for screen, notably in the 2017 film "The Snowman" starring Michael Fassbender. A new Netflix series, "Jo Nesbø's Detective Hole," is set to premiere on March 26, further cementing his global influence.
Personal Insights and Quirky Anecdotes
When asked about his happiest moment, Nesbø points to Molde's Norwegian premier league victory in 2011, coinciding with the club's centenary. His greatest fear, however, is more introspective: "Going mad." He shares an early memory of picking chewing gum from a puddle, describing it as tasting "wonderful," and sums himself up in three words: "Distracted, cynic and romantic."
Unhappiness for Nesbø stems from feeling trapped, unable to engage in his passions like writing, music, or rock climbing. Despite this, he maintains a positive outlook on his appearance, joking that his girlfriend disapproves of his fungal toenails, but he's "even happy with them." Aging brings the fear of losing the ability to pursue these loves, particularly rock climbing, which nearly cost him his life in a harrowing abseiling incident in Oslo where he almost slid off an untied rope.
Controversial Moments and Life Lessons
Nesbø doesn't shy away from his past misadventures, recounting a jail stint at 18 for indecent exposure after mooning a police car while drunk. On lighter notes, he humorously attributes his sex life to the weather, stating he only has it outdoors, and cites a shoehorn as a simple item that would improve his quality of life. His biggest disappointment? Tottenham's performance this season, revealing his enduring football fandom.
When it comes to legacy, Nesbø expresses a desire to be remembered as "a nice guy," though he admits uncertainty about achieving that. He emphasizes the importance of kindness to his children, sharing the lesson that life isn't about good versus bad people, but differing perspectives. This philosophy underscores his nuanced view of humanity, shaped by experiences from working on a seasickness-inducing trawler to navigating the highs and lows of creative and personal endeavors.
As Nesbø continues to captivate audiences with his detective stories and new Netflix series, this interview offers a rare glimpse into the man behind the mysteries, blending humor, vulnerability, and a relentless pursuit of passion.
