This book did not disappoint and I am completely sold on the idea of translated fiction. The book is hauntingly beautiful, yet dark, throughout. I absolutely loved being transported to another country and culture, and was able to draw interesting comparisons and contrasts with quintessentially “British” fiction.
Vidar is a cleverly crafted villainous character, made out to be all the more evil from the dangerous village gossip that surrounds him, some of the truth of which is left undiscovered at the end of the book. This makes Vidar an extremely intriguing character; a mysterious and aloof man whom it is easy to dislike.
Conversely, his daughter Liv and grandson, Simon, provide some warmth to the book. Though clearly miserable and frustrated, they demonstrate a closeness, and at times, a hope for the future. But can their relationship withstand the mystery and shock of Vidar’s sudden murder?
A quote that really stood out to me was: “If you leave me I’ll drown myself, he says at regular intervals, and love and threats become the tapestry that enfolds them and holds them tight. The village is a black hole that sucks them in and will never let them leave.”
This to me demonstrates the suffocating and isolating atmosphere of the village, as well as the unique and bizarre familial relationship between the three main characters. It also brings to the fore some of the key themes of the book: power, control and abuse.
This is a dark book that could be triggering for some readers. However, I found it to be completely encapsulating and it left me guessing and uncertain until the very last pages.
My reading experience of this book has definitely made me eager to try out more translated fiction in the future!
Vidar is a cleverly crafted villainous character, made out to be all the more evil from the dangerous village gossip that surrounds him, some of the truth of which is left undiscovered at the end of the book. This makes Vidar an extremely intriguing character; a mysterious and aloof man whom it is easy to dislike.
Conversely, his daughter Liv and grandson, Simon, provide some warmth to the book. Though clearly miserable and frustrated, they demonstrate a closeness, and at times, a hope for the future. But can their relationship withstand the mystery and shock of Vidar’s sudden murder?
A quote that really stood out to me was: “If you leave me I’ll drown myself, he says at regular intervals, and love and threats become the tapestry that enfolds them and holds them tight. The village is a black hole that sucks them in and will never let them leave.”
This to me demonstrates the suffocating and isolating atmosphere of the village, as well as the unique and bizarre familial relationship between the three main characters. It also brings to the fore some of the key themes of the book: power, control and abuse.
This is a dark book that could be triggering for some readers. However, I found it to be completely encapsulating and it left me guessing and uncertain until the very last pages.
My reading experience of this book has definitely made me eager to try out more translated fiction in the future!