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 against another edition
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.
oviedorose's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
4.0
sugaplumfairy28's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Spoiler
I found this book confusing. I liked the idea of the story and seemed intriguing. Straight away you are thrown into a murder which Fredrika and Dorotea come across. However it seems to be put to the sidelines as well as a mother killing her children and herself after her husband's murder. Then Fredrika can see Eriksson and no one else can, she is told she can see spirits and has a gift but not really explained. More twists and plot occur but nothing is ever explained. Set majority of the time in Winter. Slow paced. Left with more questions and you find out who did the first murder on the last 2 pages. The sequel it seems is in no relation to the people of the first book as a different time period.cook_memorial_public_library's review against another edition
4.0
Recommended by Andrea. Read her review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1191781003?book_show_action=false&page=1
Check our catalog: http://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore/search/C__Swolf%20winter%20ekback__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&suite=gold
Check our catalog: http://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore/search/C__Swolf%20winter%20ekback__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&suite=gold
arualle's review against another edition
3.0
Para todo lo que me esperaba de este libro, al final ha sido muy meh...
marilynsaul's review against another edition
4.0
This is by no means an entertaining book. It is essentially a murder mystery that takes place in the 1700s in Lapland. The characters are well-written and tug at one's heartstrings because of all the travails they suffer. It is an engaging book, with native instincts, small-community interactions, and "sorcery" interwoven. I can recommend it only to those who do not mind dark themes.