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krism's review
4.0
I like Scandinavian crime dramas (niche, I know!) so when I saw this novel by the writer of the Inspector Kurt Wallander series, I picked it up. This is not a crime drama. The main character, Fredrik, is in his 70s and lives alone on an island off the coast of Sweden. One night his house burns down. Arson is suspected, but who? And how does one start over when they are in their 70s? Fredrik is a complex and not always likeable character. He is a loner but the fire brings many people into his life. I'll stop my review here because it's hard to describe the strange blend of odd relationships, Fredric's examination of his life, musings on the future, new life and deaths......
dmsreader09's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I really enjoyed this book becuase of the fact that the arson/fires were secondary to the fears of the narrator, and the fact I hated the narrator, but understood his fears perfectly and sympathized. The way depression was handled in this book was fascinating, where you had some characters fold into themselves and try to make everyone else miserable, while others were grasping for a lifeline to try and pull themselves out, but ultimately failing. Despite the fact that I didn't like the narrator at all, I still LOVED how it dealt with the fear of growing old and dying, as well as just the pervasive loneliness you can feel as you do grow old. I don't think I've ever described my books as quiet before, but this novel was quiet. I really can't think of any other way to describe it.
terpsjas's review against another edition
4.0
Will be missed
I so thoroughly miss Mr. Mankell. His writing has always been excellent as were his stories. Will there be another as good.
I so thoroughly miss Mr. Mankell. His writing has always been excellent as were his stories. Will there be another as good.
charf47's review against another edition
4.0
Henning Mankell writes so well about life, ageing and mortality. As in all of Henning Mankell's books, the story line is intriguing and the characters quirky and interesting. I felt that there were definite similarities between Fredrik Welin, the main character of 'After the Fire', and Kurt Wallander, with whom any avid Mankell reader will be familiar, sharing the same introspective personality, bordering on depression which Mankell captures so well. An engaging read - highly recommended. Thanks to Vintage, Random House Publishers and NetGalley for the ARC.
tabea_sph_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
skpatton's review
3.0
More about being alone than being an old man. He is only 70! It's about loss and recovery. I do think the narrative rambles on at some points, but I enjoyed reading it.
ruda_'s review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
shellihuntley4's review
4.0
So very, very Swedish. NOT a mystery; more a brooding, pensive contemplation.
coralang's review
4.0
Du début à la fin nous sommes dans la tête d'un homme vieillissant. Ses pensées et ses actions nous surprennent. Les relations sont complexes et l'intrigue perdure tout au long du récit.
jjmcdade's review
4.0
I love reading books by authors from other cultures. I particularly like Scandinavian writer (and film makers). I think they have a perspective completely different from that of English speakers. This is the first work I've read by Mankell; but, I have seen the Kurt Wallander series on PBS. It's what prompted me to pick up this book. I believe this was the final book Mankell wrote; and, his writing was clearly influenced by his view that his time was likely limited. He makes some profound observations about aging and mortality -- also about what it means to live in community. It's a bit of a mystery; but, you should read this book for it's insight into life as we age.