Making Things Right, Ole Thorstensen
Making Things Right, Ole Thorstensen
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Making Things Right
The Simple Philosophy of a Working Life

Author: Ole Thorstensen, Seán Kinsella

Narrator: Ulf Bjorklund

Unabridged: 5 hr 34 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 04/03/2018

Synopsis

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 Ole Thorstensen

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.

About Seán Kinsella

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.

About Ulf Bjorklund

Ulf Bjorklund is a global narrator with a passion for storytelling. Elegant, continental, and versatile, he voices audio tours, e-learning with video syncing, audiobooks, video games, and more in Swedish and English.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Cómete la sopa Kafka on July 24, 2021

Cuando llevas 100 páginas de Diario de un carpintero te preguntas ¿qué hago leyendo un libro sobre cómo se construye una buhardilla? pero sigues leyendo esta deliciosa historia porque está cargada de sentimientos tan empáticos como el orgullo del trabajo bien hecho, o el miedo a equivocarte. Más en......more

Goodreads review by Michael on January 13, 2018

An absolute undiscovered gem. A Norwegian Master Carpenter writes about a loft-conversion in Oslo. Mainly he writes about the supporting beams, the fire-safe insulation regulations, ventilation considerations, quoting and bidding and getting all the materials up to the third floor. And yet he has a sty......more

Goodreads review by Lucija on December 01, 2020

Ova knjiga svidjela mi se već od samog naslova, "Raditi kako treba" zvuči tako čestito, suvereno i dostojanstveno. Oduševila me pomisao da se netko kod nas sjetio tako odgovarajućeg i primamljivog naslova, jer se u originalu zove samo "Dnevnik majstora stolara" (što u izdanju Frakture funkcionira ka......more

Goodreads review by Laura on July 12, 2018

Probably the best book I’ve read this summer. In some ways it reminded me of Tracy Kidder’s book, House, which I also enjoyed. However, this book was written by the carpenter himself, and his love and respect for his craft are clearly evident.......more

Goodreads review by Joyce on April 01, 2018

Interestingly look at the work of a master woodworker/contractor in Norway--not just the physical work with wood but the teamwork with others on a remodeling job and with those paying for the work. He shares his philosophy and obvious pleasure in his craft through a step-by-step remodeling job--firs......more

Quotes

“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)

“An enriching and poetic tribute to manual labor.” Karl Ove Knausgaard, New York Times bestselling author

“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 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

“This book is just as solid as the craft he describes.” Times (London)

“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

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