This is my second non-Wallendar novel by Mankell and I enjoyed it reasonably well. Despite the book blurb's suggestions about the depth of themes covered, I never really found myself convinced by the pretty appalling main character. And certainly not by his relationships. And I just got irritated by how often Mankell felt the need to have him check his blood pressure. But most of all - and here is the spoiler - I was perplexed by Agnes's left arm. The cancerous one she was supposed to have had amputated years before. But didn't. Did she have some sort of miraculous cure that I missed somewhere? And was now perfectly capable of wielding a samurai sword while examining her fingernails. Ok, so these two acts are separate, but I'm using a little bit less license than the author. Anyway, perfectly good train or holiday read! C'est l'été et l'occasion de lire un policier...D’où Mankell que je souhaitais découvrir ou peut-être redécouvrir. Au bout d'une centaine de pages, je me suis définitivement convaincu qu'il n'y aurait pas de crimes à élucider...Mais une histoire de solitude qui se réveille à la vie, des personnages avec leur peurs et leur imperfection qui se croisent autour d'un ilot en Suède. Une imparfaite mais magnifique histoire de rédemption.Un (tout)petit bémol pour le style, en tous les cas de la version traduite.
No murders this time, but an evocative novel about life, making mistakes and mending them
—ames627
Another subtle but thought provoking novel from the master of nordic fiction.
—mwinter
Started slowly, then got more and more compelling. Loved it.
—Palomogtav
This book was just ok . Great ending .
—tracy
Very good!
—arriolaaj
