A review by jeanetterenee
In the Wake by Per Petterson

4.0

It's hard to say much about this book without giving away what there is to discover by reading it. It's like a description by Arvid, the main character, in his own words, of the circuitous path he is taking in trying to reconcile his grief and survivor's guilt about the accidental deaths of his parents and two brothers. He is by turns aimless, anxious, restless, and disoriented, looking for something---absolution, maybe? Hope? He combines old memories with descriptions of what's happening in the present.

Really an unconventional book, but I do like Petterson's writing. Although there is despair, there's also humor and warmth and human contact. Arvid is reaching out to others, not just giving up and giving in, so we can hope he's on his way to healing.