readingwithhippos's review
4.0
I picked this one up because I wanted a book with a really, really cold setting. This fall has been entirely too warm for comfort around here, and if I couldn't bundle up in a blanket in front of a frosted windowpane, I figured I could at least immerse myself in chillier environs through my reading. And I was not disappointed: the Swedish Lapland is really damn cold, especially so in the 1700s before central heating was a thing. Bonus: main character Maija is a bonafide badass, self-reliant and determined to get to the truth of her neighbor Eriksson's death. Maija's daughter finds Eriksson dead on the mountain, and the townspeople are quick to blame it on a wolf attack. But Maija has seen the wound, and she knows it was inflicted by man, not animal. And then the snow starts to fall.
More book recommendations by me at www.readingwithhippos.com
More book recommendations by me at www.readingwithhippos.com
ajsteele1699's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mkrowley's review
5.0
I loved this so much. It pulled me right in. I loved the characters, I loved the setting, I loved the action scenes (such as they are). I was totally immersed in this world. I want this to be a miniseries so I can enjoy it again and make other people watch it and we can talk about it.
bowden's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
julesmae's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Atmospheric, astute use of language and a story so brilliantly layered
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Child abuse and Sexual violence
Minor: Vomit
gabbyhm's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
mikaylaslibrary's review against another edition
4.5
This is one of my new favourite books, and I am so glad I read this.
I don't normally read mysteries, and definitely not murder mysteries, but this didn't really read like that. I loved the prose, and how the different character's POVs all added to the story.
I hope to pick up the second one soon, and continue into the world of 1717 Sweden.
I don't normally read mysteries, and definitely not murder mysteries, but this didn't really read like that. I loved the prose, and how the different character's POVs all added to the story.
I hope to pick up the second one soon, and continue into the world of 1717 Sweden.
jmatkinson1's review
5.0
1717, Northern Sweden is a harsh place to live, almost on the edge of civilisation. Maija and her family have moved across from Finland to take over the homestead of her uncle close to Blackasen mountain. However on their first day Maija's daughters find the murdered corpse of one of their neighbours and the family hears tales of strange happenings on the mountain which leaves all the people in fear. The harvest fails and the winter is harsh so the settlers, Swedish, Finn and Lapp, all move to Settler Town for protection. It seems that their fears have followed them.
Maija's husband has to move away for work so Maija is left with her two daughters, Frederika and Dorotea. Maija has powers that could be interpreted as dangerous and her daughter has inherited them but the family wants to lay bare the secrets of the community. Despite its isolation Settler Town could also be very influential in the politics of Sweden and there are many secrets that need to remain hidden.
Apparently this book was subject to a serious bidding war from publishers and it is easy to see why. The story is very clever and the characters are well-drawn but are not defined as good or bad. Whilst Maija is the central character there are aspects of her that are not made clear until the very end and ask questions. The link between life and dream swirls around and the reader almost gets lost in the beauty of the writing and the harshness of reality intrudes. This is a magical book which draws the reader in and envelops them.
Maija's husband has to move away for work so Maija is left with her two daughters, Frederika and Dorotea. Maija has powers that could be interpreted as dangerous and her daughter has inherited them but the family wants to lay bare the secrets of the community. Despite its isolation Settler Town could also be very influential in the politics of Sweden and there are many secrets that need to remain hidden.
Apparently this book was subject to a serious bidding war from publishers and it is easy to see why. The story is very clever and the characters are well-drawn but are not defined as good or bad. Whilst Maija is the central character there are aspects of her that are not made clear until the very end and ask questions. The link between life and dream swirls around and the reader almost gets lost in the beauty of the writing and the harshness of reality intrudes. This is a magical book which draws the reader in and envelops them.