Author Per Schreiner: 'Happiness Belongs to Those Who Own an Apartment'

Aftenposten features author Per Schreiner's provocative assertion that owning an apartment has become Norway's ultimate status symbol, suggesting that 'happiness is for those who have an apartment.' Schreiner, in his novel 'The Weak Will. A Love Story,' delves into the anxieties and societal pressures surrounding housing, particularly in Oslo. He posits that the city's housing market is 'unfortunately destroyed,' a state he attributes to widening class divides and the struggles of single men navigating a complex social landscape. The article highlights Schreiner's exploration of themes such as childlessness, shame, and the pervasive housing crisis, painting a picture of a society where basic security, like homeownership, dictates one's sense of self-worth and social standing. From a Norwegian perspective, this commentary strikes a chord, as housing affordability and the 'Oslo dream' have long been subjects of intense public debate. Schreiner's work taps into a national conversation, questioning the societal value placed on property and the emotional toll it takes on individuals, especially those who find themselves on the margins of this aspirational market. His critique challenges the notion that material possessions alone define a person's value, urging a reflection on deeper human needs and societal structures.

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It doesn't take more than a child and a home to become a person who doesn't have to be ashamed.