From a master carpenter, Making Things Right is a celebration of good craftsmanship and a tribute to manual labor in the story of a loft renovation.
Making Things Right is the simple yet fascinating story of a loft renovation. It is also a book about work and identity, about collaboration and pride in skilled craftsmanship, and about what it means to make things with your hands in a consumerism-driven world. From the moment carpenter and contractor Ole receives the first phone call asking him to submit an estimate for the job, to when the space is ready for occupation--his role involves heavy lifting, patience, and problem solving, splinters in fingers, meticulous detail, and teamwork. Full of joy and pride in craftsmanship and his trade, the author reflects on the philosophical aspects of life and work while laying out the construction process.
Rich with descriptions of the carpenter's role and work process, Thorstensen's book gives a warm and often humorous portrayal of a tight-knit working community, writing passionately about his profession and of the joy of seeing a vision for a space take shape. Making Things Right is the simple philosophy of a working life.
About the Author :
Ole Thorstensen was born in Arendal, Norway. He was raised on Tromøy, an island with five thousand inhabitants. He is a trained carpenter and has worked for twenty-five years in the construction industry. He now lives in Eidsvoll, six miles north of Oslo.
Seán Kinsella is from Dublin. His translation of Stig Saeterbakken's Through the Night was long-listed for the Best Translated Book Award 2014. He lives in Norway.
Ulf Bjorklund is a multi-talented narrator, with multiple titles to his credit, who also performs commercial and corporate voice-over. He is the creator and host of the "Ulfvo: The Passionate Producers" podcast and in his spare time is an avid photographer.
Review :
"A charming book by a master carpenter about the lost arts of craftsmanship and community at work."
-- "Adam Grant, New York Times bestselling author"
"A debut author who has spent nearly thirty years as a carpenter, his hands are a 'personal CV, ' and his memoir, Making Things Right, is an ode to all that they have done."
-- "Economist (London)"
"A humble yet noble tribute to the value of honest work... Thorstensen's authentic and engaging account of running his one-man business delivers real truth...Readers will love Thorstensen's insights into work and life."
-- "Booklist"
"A rare gem of a book...[with] some large lessons to teach: about the heights of human ingenuity, the power of aesthetics, the value of manual work, and the need for empathy and collaboration in work and everyday life."
-- "Sir Ken Robinson, New York Times bestselling author"
"An enriching and poetic tribute to manual labor."
-- "Karl Ove Knausgaard, New York Times bestselling author"
"Bjorklund's narration is almost accent free; only the cadence suggests Scandinavia. In his light tenor, he conveys both the issues to be dealt with and the passion the author clearly feels for his work. Details abound, but Bjorklund never lets them overwhelm the narrative, and in his unassuming reading, the author's voice and commitment shine through."
-- "Booklist (audio review)"
"This book is just as solid as the craft he describes."
-- "Times (London)"
