Simultaneously with working as a university research director, Noring ran her own international consultancy company counting numerous cities as clients. More than fifteen years of living in different countries contribute to her understanding of people, cultures, and languages. “Going Places, Somewhere and Nowhere” combines in-depth research knowledge with practical experience, providing an intimate portrayal of […]
After years in academia, Noring has increasingly come to believe that these complexities are best acknowledged, comprehended, and shared through imaginative fiction. “Going Places, Somewhere and Nowhere” teases out a future that may seem daunting and even dystopian at times. Yet, it also holds a promise for a new reality, in which resilient and highly adaptive
In “Going Places, Somewhere and Nowhere,” Noring draws a picture in which divisions occur within and between countries. Friend and foe are everywhere. The new global map is in constant flux creating a mucky global landscape, in which confusion and chaos reign. Through the algorithm of each online community, the end-goal becomes an unreachable, like
“Today our online lives play a bigger and bigger role. On the internet, we are presented with a convincing narrative, all wrapped into an online community of likeminded. The time and energy we dedicate to our online presence is growing and taking away time and energy dedicated to real people in the real world. In
Noring’s current writing uses the medium of the novel to capture the complexities of modern society and life, including intrusive technology, continuous global conflict, loss of privacy, and loss of community.
Holding a Ph.D. in business economics, Noring published numerous peer-reviewed articles and reports and worked as an expert for the European Commission and OECD. In “Going Places, Somewhere and Nowhere,” she uses the same tightness of language that she used in her academic articles with limited word count. Relying on an extensive research background into societies, Noring infuses “Going
The book portrays the chilling remoteness of modern warfare, where technology allows for the deployment of bombs and violence in distant lands with detached precision. The author confronts readers with the harsh reality that mass migration is the tangible outcome of intangible wars.
One of the novel’s standout strengths lies in its ability to ground the imagined future in our current near reality. By anchoring the story in the present, Noring makes the future more palpable and credible, inviting readers to consider the implications of a world war.
“Going Places, Somewhere and Nowhere” navigates an intricate web of human relationships, memories, and the passage of time. Through flashbacks by the novel’s central character, a window is opened to her pre-war life, revealing a subtle connection with the author herself. The protagonist’s journey is interwoven drawing poignant parallels between the world before, during, and
The book portrays the chilling remoteness of modern warfare, where technology allows for the deployment of bombs and violence in distant lands with detached precision. The author confronts readers with the harsh reality that mass migration is the tangible outcome of intangible wars.
Ranger is the first born of the narrator’s twins. She is taller than her sister. Ranger has long soft blond hair. She has bright green eyes. She is easy tempered, open hearted and pays close attention to people at the periphery of society. As she grows, she gains a political aptitude that cements her success as a leaders.
Rocket is more withdrawn and sensitive than her sister. She has soft straight dark blond hair and dark blue eyes. She is a keen observer. She has a will power that can move mountains. She has more temper. Rocket is more intellectual and studious than her sister. Her observations are coupled with a deeper search for meaning and understanding, which become critical to her success as a scholar.
Atlas is from South East Asia, presumably from Bali. He is a short man of slight figure. He looks positively youthful. He pays great attention to his casual wear and the perception he has on other people. His dress and demeanor potentially bely an insecurity. He is withdrawn, from which position he is able to observe and access people that are not reachable by the other leaders.
The Plague was the once the Argentinean lover of the storyteller. The Plague is a humorous man, who seems to be on the verge of breaking out into full laughter at any moment. He has no life companion nor children. He only has himself to look out for, which makes him quite adventurous. He attracts people that have a positive spirit and enjoy his warmth, approachability and lightheartedness. The Plagues dons a critical position in the free faction society because he skillfully hacks the online communities of the declared factions.
Phaethon is an elderly gentleman, who has become a valued adviser of X. He has been working in the service of X for most of his adult life. He is originally a slave and per de facto so is his family. Phaethon is patient, thoughtful and deliberate. Due to his position as principal adviser and valued servant of X and later Ranger, he is able to create an important standing in his community.
X is a leader with the Freedom Fighters faction, where he rules the Isle of Wight. His territory is relatively small, but his pleasant personality and political aptitude makes him an appreciated leader and collaborator throughout the Freedom Fighters and beyond. He is the former father-in-law of the storyteller, who has since lost his family and remarried. He was never a tall man, but when we meet him in the story, he is very small. His body bears the marks of lifelong trials. He moves slowly. He is intelligent and deliberately careful.
Artemis is the second wife of X. Artemis is kind and compassionate. She is calm and levelheaded. Ranger often relies on her to lend an ear, provide advice and intermediate with X. Ranger is the child that Artemis never had. She has only the best interests of Ranger. Ranger, on the other hand, sometimes thinks that Artemis is shallow and has no opinions of her own. This is a mistake, as Artemis is quite intelligent and politically savvy.ts her success as a leaders.
The General is extremely tall with a compact torso and long legs and arms that are all over the place. He speaks in a loud voice and commanding tone, which makes people around him scared of him. He tries to help the storyteller but finds himself in conflict with what he must do in alignment with his job.
The captain is a tall man in his sixties. He is youthful in his walk and attitude. Generally, he is in high spirits and fine mood. He moves briskly swaying from one side to another, as if the wind and waves are catching him. He is a free factioneer and he knows of the storyteller and her achievements. Out of respect, and to line his pockets, he helps the storyteller.
Birka is a kind woman. The storyteller and her often sit, drink tea and talk for hours. Birka also comes from the northern part of Europe. She fled with her son. Unlike the storyteller, Birka lost everything in the war, except her most precious possession: her son. She did not have cryptocurrency nor any other assets of value to bring with her into this world. Yet, she has the demeanor of a woman of considerable social standing. She is well educated and well informed.
The leader of the House of Slora, which is part of the Freedom Fighters faction. Abram both accumulates wealth and territory through his political endeavors. He is younger and more audacious than X, with whom he seeks to do business. He has a large family that he wants to secure the future position of.
He has dark hair and eyes and fair skin. He is average of height and build. In many ways, he looks insignificant, but his charm disarms. Mr. Twinklestar is a merchant of spices, tea and rice representing a series of high net value clients in Europe that are very demanding and rewarding. There is an air of mystery surrounding him. The relationship between Rocket and Mr. Twinklestar evolves into a deep friendship and later becomes a passionate loving relationship. Albeit endlessly complaining about how busy he is, he thrives on his professional achievements.