On the Calculation of Volume, by Solvej Ball

On the Calculation of Volume – I, by Solvej Ball. Pub 2020. Translation by Barbara Haveland, pub 2024.
On the Calculation of Volume – II, by Solvej Ball. Pub 2020. Translation by Barbara Haveland, pub 2024.

I found these when looking at the Booker International list for 2025. I was interested as a time stories (titles notwithstanding). Books I and II are the first of a planned series of seven novels, with books III and IV available in English later in 2025.

With Book I, I was immediately entranced with the story, characters, and writing. It’s a shortish book; I gobbled the whole thing quickly and moved on immediately to Book II, which was finished at nearly the same pace. The writing is excellent, a testament to both author and translator.

In summary, the story is a more serious consideration of the conceit of Groundhog Day, with the protagonist (Tara) living the same day over and over. We experience her confusion, marvel, grief, and determination, as she tries to solve the puzzle of how and why this is happening to her, and how to get out of it – to move on to the next day. She tries to engage those around her in her quest, but as they don’t remember her from day to day – they just start the same day over again, oblivious – she is on her own. But she is resourceful and meticulous, learning the “rules” of her new time and navigating toward a strange future.

Book I ends a bit abruptly, but it made sense knowing there is a Book II. The second book was also good, although felt a bit stuck (some empathy with Tara) part way through. There is a long digression into ancient Roman history that, while interesting, is also somewhat disconnected from the story (I’m sure will all become clear later). Book II ends on a significant cliffhanger, and so the next books are eagerly awaited.

I don’t want to give away too much more, as I highly encourage readers to experience the mystery themselves. The story is fascinating, encouraging the reader to consider: what would I do in the situation? Would I see it as a blessing or a curse, or a bit of both? Would I indulge a bit, or be diligent in pursuing answers?

Fate: hanging on to them for reference as I move through the series (which will take a few years).

2 – time
4 – pub 2024
8 – female author
13 – somewhere I’ve never been (other than a brief time in Paris, the story is in smaller towns in France, Holland, Belgium, Germany, and Scandinavia).
21 – a translation
25 – new author to me (for Book I)
36 – part of a series