Jon Fosse, who received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2023, explores the themes of death and the afterlife in his novella 'Morning and Evening', originally published in Norway in 2000 and recently translated into English.

The narrative follows Johannes, a solitary fisherman, from his birth to old age, reflecting on profound themes of loss and memory.

Fosse's work delves into the experience of dying, focusing on the internal journey rather than just the observations of those witnessing death.

Milan Kundera's 'Immortality' offers another perspective on the afterlife, portraying literary figures like Goethe and Hemingway engaged in philosophical discussions about their fictional existence.

In 'Morning and Evening', the afterlife is depicted as an ambiguous, vast, and calm space, steering clear of conventional representations of heaven.

Fosse's writing style is characterized by simplicity and repetition, creating a hypnotic effect that immerses readers in Johannes's daily rituals.

As Johannes navigates his routine, he experiences a day that fluctuates between normalcy and surrealism, highlighting his deteriorating mental state.

This mental decline is illustrated when Johannes questions reality upon seeing his deceased friend Peter, adding a layer of dark humor to the narrative.

Fosse's spiritual exploration is influenced by his Catholic faith and mysticism, though the novella refrains from overt religious themes.

The terror of dying is poignantly captured in literature, as seen in Leo Tolstoy's 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich', where the protagonist confronts an 'invisible, invincible force'.

Similarly, Tobias Wolff's 'Bullet in the Brain' features a dying book critic who reflects on a childhood memory, illustrating the poignant moments before death.

In contrast, Will Self's 'The North London Book of the Dead' presents a humorous take on the afterlife, where the deceased find themselves in mundane locations.