From the disturbing opening chapter it was clear that this story was likely to explore some very dark themes and to feature complex and deeply-flawed characters, a perfect combination for a compelling and at times a very disturbing read. The slow but remorseless build-up of tension added ever more layers of darkness to this deftly plotted story and I frequently found myself feeling almost unbearably anxious about what would happen next. I admired the way the author retained a tight control over the plot development and the shifting of suspicion from one character to another, a level of control which kept me guessing until very close to the final dénouement ... these days that doesn't happen very often so it was something I particularly appreciated!
Each one of the characters was exceptionally well-drawn and their relationships and interactions were portrayed with a psychological credibility which I found impressive, something which enabled me to very quickly feel engaged with them and to care about what would happen to them. I think the author also convincingly captured the rather incestuous nature of small, isolated communities and the many different ways in which rumour and gossip escalate, eventually providing fertile ground for simmering resentments to reach an emotional boiling point.
Central to the story is an exploration of the long-term, undermining effects of the coercive control which had over-shadowed the lives of Liv and Liam, enabling the reader to understand, and empathise with, their frequently submissive and apathetic behaviour … rather than just wanting to shout at them to take control of their lives! Other themes which would make this an excellent choice for book groups include friendship, loss, grief, the insidious nature of gossip and rumour in small communities and the various ways in which social background, dysfunctional family relationships and life-experiences can limit a person’s opportunities to improve their prospects.
Throughout the story I admired and appreciated the author’s perceptive observations of a whole range of human behaviour. Her ability to so convincingly capture the nuances of the characters tension-filled interactions meant that I frequently felt I was standing alongside them – quite a disconcerting feeling! She is equally talented in her impressive evocation of the landscape in which her story is set – the loneliness and claustrophobic isolation of the remote location, the sense of threat from the dark, brooding forest, a place which can hide hunters, of either the animal or human kind, and the falling snow which can so quickly obliterate tracks and deaden sounds.
I raved about Stina Jackson’s debut novel, The Silver Road, when it was first released in 2019 and wondered whether her second could possibly be as good … I’ve been delighted to discover that it is! Although in many ways it’s a much darker story, it is not without some lovely moments of lightness and humour and, ultimately, hope. This is another beautifully written novel from Stina Jackson (sympathetically translated by Susan Beard) and I recommend it without reservation.
Each one of the characters was exceptionally well-drawn and their relationships and interactions were portrayed with a psychological credibility which I found impressive, something which enabled me to very quickly feel engaged with them and to care about what would happen to them. I think the author also convincingly captured the rather incestuous nature of small, isolated communities and the many different ways in which rumour and gossip escalate, eventually providing fertile ground for simmering resentments to reach an emotional boiling point.
Central to the story is an exploration of the long-term, undermining effects of the coercive control which had over-shadowed the lives of Liv and Liam, enabling the reader to understand, and empathise with, their frequently submissive and apathetic behaviour … rather than just wanting to shout at them to take control of their lives! Other themes which would make this an excellent choice for book groups include friendship, loss, grief, the insidious nature of gossip and rumour in small communities and the various ways in which social background, dysfunctional family relationships and life-experiences can limit a person’s opportunities to improve their prospects.
Throughout the story I admired and appreciated the author’s perceptive observations of a whole range of human behaviour. Her ability to so convincingly capture the nuances of the characters tension-filled interactions meant that I frequently felt I was standing alongside them – quite a disconcerting feeling! She is equally talented in her impressive evocation of the landscape in which her story is set – the loneliness and claustrophobic isolation of the remote location, the sense of threat from the dark, brooding forest, a place which can hide hunters, of either the animal or human kind, and the falling snow which can so quickly obliterate tracks and deaden sounds.
I raved about Stina Jackson’s debut novel, The Silver Road, when it was first released in 2019 and wondered whether her second could possibly be as good … I’ve been delighted to discover that it is! Although in many ways it’s a much darker story, it is not without some lovely moments of lightness and humour and, ultimately, hope. This is another beautifully written novel from Stina Jackson (sympathetically translated by Susan Beard) and I recommend it without reservation.