Why a Booktrail?
1930s: One ring at the door leads to a journey of light and dark…
Havoc
What you need to know before your trail
There is a ring at the door of Ole Jastrau’s fifth floor apartment that will ignite a spark of restlessness within his soul, leading him into darkened velvet portiere-entranced bars and brightly glittering night clubs, from the mundane grind of literary criticism to the nocturnal otherworld of alcoholism and prostitution.
Originally deemed a cynical, pessimistic – and, above all, overly revealing – portrayal of life as a newspaperman upon its release in interwar Denmark, Havoc has since gone on to become a much-loved modern classic in its home country, with its ‘longed for shipwrecks’ verse becoming one of the most oft quoted in the Danish language.
Travel Guide
Havoc in Copenhagen
The city of Copenhagen is a backdrop to the story which could take place anywhere. However, the city plays a role as the music scene and jazz bars do come to life as places the characters go to. The city hall stands at the centre and not far from where Ole’s flat is. Another sight of note is the main shopping street where it’s supposed they go shopping.
The bars play a major role as does the apartment as this is where the story of a man’s life spiralling out of control due to alcohol plays out.
Booktrail Boarding Pass: Havoc
Destination/location: Copenhagen Author/Guide: Tom Kristensen Departure Time: 1930
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