The novel is a poignant exploration of a man's relationship with his father and his own identity. Set in Norway, it follows the protagonist's decision to live in solitude after the death of his wife and sister. Through a series of flashbacks, he recalls his childhood, particularly the summer of 1948 when he lived with his father in the country. As he delves into his past, he uncovers his father's involvement in the resistance during World War II and the lasting impact it had on their relationship and his own life. The narrative intertwines the past and the present, reflecting on themes of loss, betrayal, and the complexity of human relationships.

The book revolves around a Swiss classics teacher who, upon encountering a mysterious book by a Portuguese author, becomes obsessed with the life and thoughts of the writer. This obsession leads him to abandon his job and life in Bern, embarking on an impulsive journey to Lisbon. In his quest to understand the author's fate and the resistance movement against the Portuguese dictatorship that the author was involved in, the protagonist explores themes of history, philosophy, and the complexities of human character. As he delves deeper into the past, he encounters various individuals who were connected to the author, piecing together a narrative that challenges his own understanding of life and identity.

"Seven Years" is a novel about a complex love triangle. The protagonist is a man who's married to a woman he doesn't love, while he's obsessed with another woman who he doesn't understand. The novel explores the themes of love, desire, and the passage of time, as it jumps back and forth between different periods in the protagonist's life. Over the course of seven years, the protagonist grapples with his feelings and the consequences of his actions, leading to a series of dramatic and emotional revelations.