Book excerpt: The 19th-century Norwegian novelist Alexander Lange Kielland wrote the book "Garman and Worse: A Norwegian Novel." The 1880 novel delves into the life of the upper class in the Norwegian town of Stavanger, offering a social critique of the time. The Garman and Worse families, who stand in for the upper class in the small town, are central to the story. The lives of the well-drawn individuals are entwined with a web of moral quandaries, interpersonal interactions, and cultural expectations. The book explores the moral and ethical dilemmas that the protagonists must deal with, exposing the bourgeoisie's duplicity and contradictions. The book is acclaimed for both its contribution to Norwegian literature and its incisive social observation. "Garman and Worse" is a gripping tale that tackles ageless topics of morality, society expectations, and the fallout from societal hypocrisy. Kielland's literary style is marked by wit and insight.