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serendipitysbooks's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Ædnan is a beautifully told multi-generational story that traces the experiences of two Sámi families from the early twentieth century into the twenty-first. It's a novel in verse told by many different voices (although those of three women Ristin, Lise, and Sandra felt central), and flows backwards and forwards in time. It works as beautifully in English as I've been told it did in its original Swedish, testament to the excellent translation. That it wasn't so much as nominated for the International Booker blows my mind. The language is sparse and understated but still emotionally resonant and impactful. The layout on the page is also sparse, mirroring perhaps the silencing of Sámi culture and the sparsely populated land north of the Arctic Circle. All the white on the page certainly reminded me of snow. The novel covers many of the challenges faced by the Sámi people - the enforcement of newly drawn international borders preventing their reindeer herds from following traditional migration routes, the damming of rivers and subsequent flooding of grazing land forcing many to give up their reindeer herds in favour of jobs with the power company, pressure to attend Nomad Residential School and the subsequent loss for language and culture, degrading racist "medical" exams - as well as more recent cultural revivals and legal victories against the Swedish government for recognition of Sámi rights. The novel also explores individual experiences, and I particularly enjoyed the sections focussing on Ristin, her husband, and their twin boys. The ableism may have been hard to read but is undoubtedly reflective of the time. The natural environment is depicted in a way that is rich and loving. It felt like a much loved family member, which is fitting since the title Ædnan can be translated as both the land and my mother. Can't recommend this exquisite novel highly enough.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, Child death, Grief, Ableism, and Death of parent
Moderate: Forced institutionalization, Racial slurs, Racism, and Medical trauma
deedireads's review
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
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The moment Ædnan landed in my hands, I was excited to read it. And friends, I was not disappointed.
This translated novel in verse examines the impact of colonization of the Indigenous Samí people in Sweden over 100 years, through the eyes of three members of different generations. It’s absolutely stunning and deeply moving, with a translation that’s both accessible and musical. It’s about grief, the loss of history, the loss of language, the loss of home, and the rebuilding of identity. But it’s also about love and strength. Heartbreak and hope.
As you might expect, this is a great candidate for a simultaneous audiobook/print experience — just don’t take it too fast and don’t be afraid to pause and process!
If this is outside your usual wheelhouse (translated, in verse, set in Sweden) but still piques your interest, please give it a shot. You won’t be disappointed.
The moment Ædnan landed in my hands, I was excited to read it. And friends, I was not disappointed.
This translated novel in verse examines the impact of colonization of the Indigenous Samí people in Sweden over 100 years, through the eyes of three members of different generations. It’s absolutely stunning and deeply moving, with a translation that’s both accessible and musical. It’s about grief, the loss of history, the loss of language, the loss of home, and the rebuilding of identity. But it’s also about love and strength. Heartbreak and hope.
As you might expect, this is a great candidate for a simultaneous audiobook/print experience — just don’t take it too fast and don’t be afraid to pause and process!
If this is outside your usual wheelhouse (translated, in verse, set in Sweden) but still piques your interest, please give it a shot. You won’t be disappointed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Grief
Moderate: Colonisation
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