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serendipitysbooks's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Collected Works was a gem of a novel, a big tome which I loved sinking into. Martin Berg is a publisher who has raised his now adult daughter Rakel and teenage son Elis by himself since his wife Cecilia disappeared when the children were young. In the present the story follows Rakel’s investigation into her mothers disappearance while, through flashbacks, we learn more about Martin, Cecilia, and their friend Gustav, their intellectual and creative pursuits, and the relationships between the three of them. This is a quiet novel, one that rewards the reader’s attention as it moves back and forward in time and seemingly insignificant details become important. Sandgren excelled in building up richly detailed characters even Cecilia whom we only see in flashbacks. It covered lots of themes which I enjoy - coming of age, family, friendship, secrets, memory, longing. The exploration of the passage of time and regret at opportunities lost and potential unfulfilled was poignant, while the look at Parenthood, creativity and the intersection between the two was especially fertile ground. The writing and storytelling were excellent, rich and unhurried. This is a book that was simply a pleasure to read.
It’s also a book that leaves many questions unanswered. While the ending is such that Rakel may get her questions answered that opportunity is denied the reader. I was fine with that but not all readers will be, especially after investing the time required to read such a lengthy novel.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Alcoholism, Death of parent, and Mental illness
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