After its release in Greenland, Niviaq Korneliussen’s debut novel Last Night in Nuuk quickly became a bestseller, propelling the young author to the forefront of the country’s literary scene. The book, with Greenlandic and UK versions titled Homo Sapienne and Crimson respectively, gained critical acclaim for its exploration of sexuality, LGBTQ issues, and personal struggles.
The novel follows a narrative that interweaves love, heartbreak, and queerness through different characters’ perspectives. Characters like Fia, Inuk, and Ivik navigate relationships, self-discovery, and acceptance of their identities. Despite its thematic significance, some critics find the stylistic execution lacking.
Korneliussen’s writing style, characterized by fragmented prose and emotional depth, at times feels reminiscent of a teenager’s diary. The use of text message excerpts and modern formal elements like hashtags and emotional labels adds a contemporary touch but may distract from the narrative’s substance.
One major criticism is the lack of depth in character development, leaving readers disconnected and struggling to engage with the story. The characters’ backgrounds and motivations remain vague, with limited details to flesh out their personalities and experiences. The narrative fails to create meaningful connections between readers and characters, which is essential for immersive storytelling.
While some argue that the lack of specific details aims to make characters relatable across diverse identities, this approach risks reducing characters to generic stereotypes. To truly foster empathy and understanding, characters need complexity and depth, not superficial placeholders.
In conclusion, Last Night in Nuuk offers a significant exploration of marginalized identities but falls short in character development and emotional depth. Crafting richer, more nuanced characters would enhance the readers’ connection and overall impact of the narrative.
