Aslak is a difficult character to get to know from this extract but this may not stand throughout the rest of the book. However, sympathy is felt instantly for Laura, Aslak's mother, who we learn only wants a normal life with fantasies of dinner parties. The plot seems to be non-linear due to the changing perspectives but that could be to establish background and allow the plot to progress naturally. I would like to read more to know the reasoning behind Aslak's actions and how it all becomes international.