Editing Harry Hole

{{short description|Main character in crime novels written by Jo Nesbø}}
{{for|the New Zealand cricketer|Harry Hole (cricketer)}}
{{Infobox character
| name = Harry Hole
| series = 
| image = Fassbender as Harry Hole.jpg
| caption = Michael Fassbender portraying Harry Hole
| first = ''[[The Bat (novel)|The Bat]]'' (1997)
| last = 
| creator = [[Jo Nesbø]]
| portrayer = [[Michael Fassbender]] (film) <br> [[Tobias Santelmann]] (television)
| gender = Male
| occupation = Police detective
| nationality = Norwegian
| family = Søs Hole (sister)<br/>Olav Hole (father)<br/>Rakel Fauke (wife)<br/>Oleg Fauke (adopted son)
| affiliation      = [[Oslo Police District|Oslo Police Department]]
}}

'''Harry Hole''' (the surname pronounced as "HOO-leh"), who is also called "Harry Holy" (strictly the first novel) by allies in the Australian police force,<ref name=":0">''[[The Bat (novel)|The Bat]]'' by James Nesbø, first novel of the Harry Hole series. Originally released under the title ''Flaggermusmannen'' by publisher [[Aschehoug]] (1997). Later translated to English for US and UK markets under the title ''The Bat'' (2012).</ref> is the main character in a series of crime novels written by Norwegian author [[Jo Nesbø]].<ref>{{cite web|title=A GUIDE TO HARRY HOLE|url=http://www.crimefictionlover.com/2013/03/a-guide-to-harry-hole/|website=crimefictionlover.com|accessdate=8 September 2017|date=March 9, 2013}}</ref> The name is derived from [[Old Norse]] ''Hólar'', the [[plural]] form of ''hóll'', meaning "round and isolated hill." Harry's surname is also the name of a historic Norwegian town ([[Hole, Norway]]) with a heritage that goes back to the [[Viking Age]].

In his stories, Hole is a brilliant, introverted, and obsessively driven detective. He has few friends and often clashes with colleagues, but his work and skill are so widely known and respected that he is considered a specialist, leading him to sometimes consult on cases in other cities and countries.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">''Kakerlakkene'' by James Nesbø, the second novel of the Harry Hole series (1998). Translated to English for US and UK markets as ''[[Cockroaches (novel)|Cockroaches]]'' (2013),</ref> Throughout the novels, he sometimes uses unorthodox and illegal methods in his investigations. A common focus of the novel series is Hole's struggles with alcoholism and depression, as well as how his mental health suffers as a result of his morally questionable actions and the brutal nature of the crimes he investigates. The novel series eventually shows Hole recognizing the harmful nature of his work and increasingly problematic behavior, prompting him to leave the police force.<ref>''Snømannen'' by James Nesbø (2007). Translated as ''[[The Snowman (Nesbø novel)|The Snowman]]'' by Don Bartlett (2010).</ref> Despite this, later novels show Hole continually finding reason to return to Oslo and assist new criminal investigations, despite his own initial reluctance and the protests of his loved ones.<ref>''Panserhjerte'' by James Nesbø (2009). Translated to English for US and UK markets as ''[[The Leopard (Nesbø novel)|The Leopard]]'' (2011).</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Birnbaum |first1=Robert |date=February 17, 2012 |title=Crime Pays: Jo Nesbø Talks about Killing Harry Hole and the Best Job in the World |url=http://themillions.com/2012/02/crime-pays-jo-nesbo-talks-about-killing-harry-hole-and-the-best-job-in-the-world.html |website=[[The Millions]] |accessdate=8 September 2017}}</ref>

Critics liken the personality of Harry Hole to those of the famous literary detectives such as [[Sherlock Holmes]], [[Hercule Poirot]], [[Jules Maigret]], and [[Nero Wolfe]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Лаптева|first1=Елена|title=Ю.Несбе: "В каждом из нас есть немного зла"|url=https://www.dv.kp.ru/daily/26054/2965497/|website=[[Комсомольская правда]]|publisher=kp.ru|accessdate=8 September 2017|language=Russian|date=30 March 2013}}</ref> According to Jo Nesbø himself, the character is inspired by and a tribute to [[Michael Connelly]]'s character [[Harry Bosch]]. The novels are frequent bestsellers.<ref>{{cite web|title=Norway Crime Author Jo Nesbo Earns $51 Million Book Royalties in 2019|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidnikel/2020/08/19/norway-crime-author-jo-nesb-earns-51-million-book-royalties-in-2019/|website=forbes|date=19 August 2020|access-date=5 January 2020}}"</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Nesbo's Popularity Still Riding High|url=https://www.newsinenglish.no/2015/01/22/nesbos-popularity-still-riding-high/|website=newsinenglish|access-date=5 January 2020}}</ref>

==Character==
Harry Hole is introduced in ''[[The Bat (novel)|The Bat]]'' as a [[police officer]] with the [[Oslo]] Crime Squad. Born in 1965, Harry's mother, a descendant of the [[Sami people]], dies due to [[cancer]] while he is in his twenties. Harry never has a close relationship with his father Olav, a former teacher, but is deeply attached to his younger sister Søs, who has [[Down syndrome]]. Taxi driver Øystein Eikeland is an old school friend of Harry's and one of the few people he is close to. Introverted and prone to depression, Hole is a chain-smoker alcoholic when first introduced, though he later recognizes his addiction and is considered a recovering alcoholic in later books. His encounters with assassins, corruption, and serial killers throughout the novels often strengthen his cynical views and his desire to escape reminders of his experiences and traumas.

Harry Hole's home address is in Sofies Gate in [[Bislett]], located in the author's own home city of [[Oslo]]. Many of the stories involve extensive background details and descriptions of real locations such as the actual Oslo Police Department headquarters. Hole regularly interacts with city residents and immigrants from a variety of ethnic and social backgrounds. Many of the novels feature his favorite "watering hole," [[Restaurant Schrøder]] (Schrøder's, for short) in St. Hanshaugen.

Along with standard police training, Hole undertakes specialized training in [[interrogation]] techniques and firearms at the [[FBI]]. His problematic and often unsocial behavior, as well as his obsessive tendencies during investigations, brings him into repeated conflict with his superiors and some colleagues. Bjarne Møller, head of the [[Oslo Police District|Oslo Police Department]], often shields Hole from being fired, believing he is a brilliant detective and vital to certain investigations. This repeated protection results in Harry feeling loyal and close to Møller. Others in the police department whom he comes to trust as friends include Beate Lønn and Bjørn Holm (both in the forensics division), Katrine Bratt (a [[Bergen]] detective who helps secure specialist information), and Gunnar Hagen (Harry's former senior officer prior to ''[[Phantom (Nesbø novel)|Phantom]]''). Hole's skills become renowned enough that he is considered a specialist, leading him to be sought for occasional consultation by authorities in other cities and countries. In the first novel, ''The Bat'', he travels to [[Sydney, Australia]] to aid the [[Australian Federal Police|Australian police]] (who refer to him as "Harry Holy").<ref name=":0" /> In the second novel, ''Cockroaches'', he is called to [[Thailand]] to investigate the murder of the Norwegian [[ambassador]].<ref name=":1" />

Outside of the department, Hole develops a serious relationship with Rakel Fauke. Her son from a previous relationship, Oleg, comes to view Harry as a father figure, sometimes calling him "dad." After the seventh novel, ''[[The Snowman (Nesbø novel)|The Snowman]]'', Harry's relationship with Rakel suffers. This, along with recent trauma, compels Hole to leave Oslo and the police force. The next novel ''[[The Leopard (Nesbø novel)|The Leopard]]'' shows Harry living in self-imposed exile in [[Hong Kong]]. Kaja Solness, a new Norwegian Crime Squad officer, asks him to return to Oslo to help investigate a possible serial killing. Learning his father Olav is also ill and likely to soon die, Hole agrees to help and returns to Oslo. During the story, Olav asks his son to assist in his suicide in order to end his pain, but Harry cannot bring himself to do so. At the end of the book, Harry has a brief reunion with Rakel before then visiting the imprisoned killer of ''The Snowman''. It is implied that Harry then aids in the criminal's own suicide. Disturbed by his recent experiences, Harry determines to return to Hong Kong for good.

The next book ''[[Phantom (Nesbø novel)|Phantom]]'' depicts Harry returning to Oslo yet again some time later, this time because Rakel's son Oleg has been arrested for murder. Harry finds out the truth behind the murder, but is then shot and the book ends without clarifying if he will survive or not. Harry is revealed to be alive and living again in Oslo in the tenth novel ''[[Police (novel)|Police]].'' Deciding his obsessive pursuit of criminals has cost him too much, he now lectures at the Police College and resumes a relationship with Rakel. A series of killings leads his former colleagues to seek him out for help. Following these events, Harry marries Rakel and legally adopts Oleg as his son. He promises he is done with police work, but finds himself drawn into another investigation in the following novel ''[[The Thirst (novel)|The Thirst]].''

==Novels==

* In ''Flaggermusmannen'' (1997), translated as ''[[The Bat (novel)|The Bat]]'' (2012), Hole is sent to [[Sydney, Australia]], to aid the [[Australian Federal Police|Australian police]] in their investigation of the murder of a Norwegian citizen.
* In ''Kakerlakkene'' (1998), translated as ''[[Cockroaches (novel)|Cockroaches]]'' (2013), Hole is sent to [[Thailand]] to investigate the murder of the Norwegian [[ambassador]].
* In ''Rødstrupe'' (2000), translated as ''[[The Redbreast]]'' (2006), Hole encounters [[Neo-Nazism]] and the legacy of [[World War II]] as he tracks an [[assassination|assassin]] planning an attack on a prominent member of [[the establishment]].
* In ''Sorgenfri'' (2002), translated as ''[[Nemesis (Nesbø novel)|Nemesis]]'' (2008), Hole investigates a fatal [[bank robbery]] and is implicated in the apparent murder of an ex-girlfriend.
* In ''Marekors'' (2003), translated as ''[[The Devil's Star]]'' (2005), Hole investigates a series of serial killings and suspects a fellow policeman of [[criminal]] activity. The popularity of this novel led to it being the first Harry Hole book to be translated into English, followed by ''The Redbreast.''
* In ''Frelseren'' (2005), translated as ''[[The Redeemer (novel)|The Redeemer]]'' by Don Bartlett (2009), Hole is on the trail of a [[Croatia]]n [[hitman]] who kills a [[Salvation Army]] officer during a Christmas [[street concert]].
* In ''Snømannen'' (2007), translated as ''[[The Snowman (Nesbø novel)|The Snowman]]'' by Don Bartlett (2010), Hole struggles to identify Norway's first [[serial killer]], who seems to have resurfaced years after their last crime.
* ''Panserhjerte'' (2009), translated as ''[[The Leopard (Nesbø novel)|The Leopard]]'' by Don Bartlett (2011). Having left the police force and exiled himself to [[Hong Kong]] following the events of ''The Snowman'', Harry is now asked to return to Oslo to unofficially aid in the investigation of a serial killer.
* In ''Gjenferd'' (2011), translated as ''[[Phantom (Nesbø novel)|Phantom]]'' by Don Bartlett (2012), Hole once again returns to Oslo from Hong Kong when his ex-girlfriend Rakel's son Oleg is arrested for murder. His investigation draws him into Oslo's drug scene.
* ''Politi'' (2013), translated as ''[[Police (novel)|Police]]'' (2013). Living in Oslo again and working as a lecturer at the Police College, Hole is asked to help track down a [[serial killer]] targeting [[police officers]].
* In ''Tørst'' (2017), translated as ''[[The Thirst (novel)|The Thirst]]'' (2017), Harry promises his wife he is done with police work, but is compelled to investigate when a killer who vanished years earlier suddenly resurfaces, now masquerading as a [[vampirist]].
* ''Kniv'' (2019), translated as ''[[Knife (novel)|Knife]]''. Waking up with a ferocious hangover, Harry finds his hands and clothes covered in blood. Coming face-to-face with an old, deadly foe, Hole faces perhaps his darkest personal challenge yet.
* ''Blodmåne'' (2023), translated as ''[[Killing Moon (Nesbø novel)|Killing Moon]]'', is the latest book in the series.

==In other media==
===Film===
{{main|The Snowman (2017 film)}}
The seventh novel in the series, ''The Snowman'', was [[The Snowman (2017 film)|adapted as a film in 2017]] and starred [[Michael Fassbender]]<ref>{{cite web|last1=Trumbore|first1=Dave|title='The Snowman': New Trailer Introduces Michael Fassbender's Detective by Name|url=http://collider.com/the-snowman-new-trailer/|website=Collider.com|accessdate=8 September 2017|date=September 5, 2017}}</ref> as Harry Hole, with [[Rebecca Ferguson]], [[Charlotte Gainsbourg]], [[Ronan Vibert]], [[Val Kilmer]] and [[J.K. Simmons]].

===Television===
{{main|Jo Nesbø's Harry Hole}}
Nesbø himself will adapt the fifth Hole novel ''[[The Devil's Star]]'' as a series for [[Netflix]], with Øystein Karlsen directing.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Roxborough|first1=Scott|title=Netflix Teams With Nordic Crime Author Jo Nesbo for ‘Harry Hole’ Series|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/netflix-jo-nesbo-harry-hole-crime-series-1235854595/|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|accessdate=20 March 2024|date=March 18, 2024}}</ref> [[Tobias Santelmann]] will play Harry Hole.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Roxborough|first1=Scott|title=Tobias Santelmann, Joel Kinnaman to Star in Netflix’s Harry Hole Nordic Noir Series|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/tobias-santelmann-joel-kinnaman-netflix-detective-harry-hole-series-1235904122/|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|accessdate=22 May 2024|date=May 20, 2024}}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb title|qid=Q22350825|title=The Snowman}}
* {{Official website|http://www.jonesbo.com/|Jo Nesbø's official website}}
* [http://www.jonesbo.co.uk/ Jo Nesbø's UK website]

{{Jo Nesbø}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hole, Harry}}
[[Category:Characters in crime novel series]]
[[Category:Fictional alcohol abusers]]
[[Category:Fictional Norwegian detectives]]
[[Category:Fictional Norwegian people]]
[[Category:Fictional Norwegian police detectives]]
[[Category:Harry Hole (novel series)| ]]
[[Category:Literature about alcohol abuse]]
[[Category:Fictional Sámi people]]