This is an easy read in that it goes fast. I kept wanting to read 'just a little more' to find out what happened next. It's a hard read in that it pushes some strongly felt emotions. There is despair, sorrow, guilt, loss, confusion and rage. I felt wrung out and strangely peaceful by the end.
The story is set in rural Norrland in Sweden, an area of sparse settlements and vast forests. The hard dark winter and the long days of summer are poles apart, prompting hugely different lifestyles. It's not only the daylight which is in contrast but the colours, temperature, weather, food, clothes, habits and mood of all the people. There are vastly different characters in this story but they are not 'types' and we gradually learn about each one, continuing to find out more right to the end of the story.
I recommend this novel to lovers of mystery who enjoy a well-written psychological thriller.
The story is set in rural Norrland in Sweden, an area of sparse settlements and vast forests. The hard dark winter and the long days of summer are poles apart, prompting hugely different lifestyles. It's not only the daylight which is in contrast but the colours, temperature, weather, food, clothes, habits and mood of all the people. There are vastly different characters in this story but they are not 'types' and we gradually learn about each one, continuing to find out more right to the end of the story.
I recommend this novel to lovers of mystery who enjoy a well-written psychological thriller.