Theis Ørntoft’s new memoir, “Habitat,” delves into the author’s personal experiences, exploring themes of creativity, memory, and modern existence. Following his acclaimed novel “Jordisk,” Ørntoft’s latest work ventures into autofiction, focusing on the creation of “Jordisk” itself.

The memoir opens in the autumn of 2018, with Ørntoft having purchased a small house on Møn after the release of his debut novel, “Solar.” He envisions writing his next major works there, surrounded by nature. However, the creative process is soon disrupted by his struggle with pornography addiction.

“Habitat” recounts Ørntoft’s coming-of-age journey, from his childhood in Midtjylland to his emergence as an author in Copenhagen. The narrative is a non-linear stream of consciousness, jumping between past, present, and future. A violent traffic accident at age 13 and subsequent anxiety attacks are explored as formative experiences.

Amidst the personal narrative, Ørntoft incorporates philosophical considerations and reflections on contemporary issues. The book grapples with questions about humanity’s place in the world, the impact of technology, and the potential for societal collapse. Despite the weighty themes, Ørntoft’s prose is often laced with humor.