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adam_penny's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
pushingdessy's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“Nordic Visions” is an anthology of speculative fiction short stories edited by Margrét Helgadóttir, featuring a variety of contemporary Nordic authors. These fifteen stories are grouped by their country of origin, and span different genres: from horror to science fiction and fantasy.
I hadn’t read much Nordic fiction before, so I appreciate the opportunity to do so. I think the only author here whose work I’d read was Lindqvist, with “Let the right one in” (2004).
Here are some brief impressions:
- From Sweden: Lindqvist’s “She” was a terrifying ghost story, and easily one of my favourites from the book. “Lost and found” by Maria Haskins and “Sing” by Karin Tidbeck both dealt with space exploration and colonization, though in different ways. I wish Haskins had been clearer about her character’s motivation, because I liked what I suspected happened, but I’m not sure if I’m right?
- From Denmark: “The false fisherman” by Kaspar Colling Nielsen was an interesting portrait that ultimately dealt with thew different social perceptions of men and women. Jakob Drud’s “Heather country” was a dark and intriguing, yet often confusing, dystopia, and Lene Kaaberbøl’s “The traveller girl” was a simple story of Otherhood.
- From the Faroe Islands: Rakel Helmsdal’s “The abyss” was a little too surrealist for me, I didn’t understand what was going on and it was hard to picture it.
- From Iceland: I enjoyed “The Dreamgiver” by Johann Thorsson, an ominous story with a surprising ending. On the other hand, Alexander Dan Vilhjálmsson’s “Hamraborg Babylon” was a sci-fi dystopia that felt overly long and unexplained.
- From Norway: Once again we visit a futuristic space colony in “As you wish”, by Tor Åge Bringsværd, and a grimdark dystopia in “A lion roars in Longyearbyen”, from Helgadóttir. “The cormorant” by Tone Almhjell and “The day Jones shadowed his dad” by Thore Hansen take on a more fantastic quality.
- From Finland: We have two more dystopias from Johanna Sinisalo and Hannu Rajaniemi: “A bird does not sing because it has an answer” and “Elegy for a young elk”. The first one had some interesting ideas and a simple statement ending to make you think, although it was hard to figure out where the story was set. I thought the second one was very confusing. Finally, “The wings that slice the sky” by Emmi Itäranta was a female-centered retelling of the Finnish epic “Kalevala” - sad, but I enjoyed it.
As is evident, this is quite an eclectic collection! Whether you enjoy visiting dystopias and sci-fi settings, or prefer a taste of folk stories, there might be something here for you worth checking out.
Something I wanted to point out is that I think it’s a shame that the editor talks in the introduction about the importance of including all voices, and acknowledges that the Nordic region is also home to indigenous and First Nations peoples, yet she “sadly” didn’t manage to include any of them in this anthology. Why not?
The formatting of my ARC was also not great, unfortunately, which meant I had to constantly refer back to the index to find the title and confirm I’d moved on to a different story.
“Nordic Visions” is an anthology of speculative fiction short stories edited by Margrét Helgadóttir, featuring a variety of contemporary Nordic authors. These fifteen stories are grouped by their country of origin, and span different genres: from horror to science fiction and fantasy.
I hadn’t read much Nordic fiction before, so I appreciate the opportunity to do so. I think the only author here whose work I’d read was Lindqvist, with “Let the right one in” (2004).
Here are some brief impressions:
- From Sweden: Lindqvist’s “She” was a terrifying ghost story, and easily one of my favourites from the book. “Lost and found” by Maria Haskins and “Sing” by Karin Tidbeck both dealt with space exploration and colonization, though in different ways. I wish Haskins had been clearer about her character’s motivation, because I liked what I suspected happened, but I’m not sure if I’m right?
- From Denmark: “The false fisherman” by Kaspar Colling Nielsen was an interesting portrait that ultimately dealt with thew different social perceptions of men and women. Jakob Drud’s “Heather country” was a dark and intriguing, yet often confusing, dystopia, and Lene Kaaberbøl’s “The traveller girl” was a simple story of Otherhood.
- From the Faroe Islands: Rakel Helmsdal’s “The abyss” was a little too surrealist for me, I didn’t understand what was going on and it was hard to picture it.
- From Iceland: I enjoyed “The Dreamgiver” by Johann Thorsson, an ominous story with a surprising ending. On the other hand, Alexander Dan Vilhjálmsson’s “Hamraborg Babylon” was a sci-fi dystopia that felt overly long and unexplained.
- From Norway: Once again we visit a futuristic space colony in “As you wish”, by Tor Åge Bringsværd, and a grimdark dystopia in “A lion roars in Longyearbyen”, from Helgadóttir. “The cormorant” by Tone Almhjell and “The day Jones shadowed his dad” by Thore Hansen take on a more fantastic quality.
- From Finland: We have two more dystopias from Johanna Sinisalo and Hannu Rajaniemi: “A bird does not sing because it has an answer” and “Elegy for a young elk”. The first one had some interesting ideas and a simple statement ending to make you think, although it was hard to figure out where the story was set. I thought the second one was very confusing. Finally, “The wings that slice the sky” by Emmi Itäranta was a female-centered retelling of the Finnish epic “Kalevala” - sad, but I enjoyed it.
As is evident, this is quite an eclectic collection! Whether you enjoy visiting dystopias and sci-fi settings, or prefer a taste of folk stories, there might be something here for you worth checking out.
Something I wanted to point out is that I think it’s a shame that the editor talks in the introduction about the importance of including all voices, and acknowledges that the Nordic region is also home to indigenous and First Nations peoples, yet she “sadly” didn’t manage to include any of them in this anthology. Why not?
The formatting of my ARC was also not great, unfortunately, which meant I had to constantly refer back to the index to find the title and confirm I’d moved on to a different story.
sproutedpages's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Rebellion Publishing for providing me with an eARC of this anthology! All opinions expressed in this review are willingly given and entirely my own.
Nordic Visions is an interesting and eclectic anthology of Nordic speculative fiction, though unfortunately many of the stories ended too abruptly and were too short to contain the intended impact of their themes and narratives. The formatting of the eARC did not benefit this either, as there was no obvious delineation of the short stories, and the titles were absent (although this may not be an issue in the published version). The stories themselves, however, were incredibly diverse in both their narrative scopes and in their respective placements within the speculative fiction genre. While not every story was suited to my taste (as will likely be the case with other readers, and with anthologies more generally), Nordic Visions was written and translated quite well, and is an excellent introduction to Nordic contributions to the speculative fiction genre.
My favorite short stories from this anthology are:
✶ Lost and Found by Maria Haskins, which follows the sole survivor of a spacecraft that crashes while on a mission to scout planets for terraforming and colonization potential.
✶ Sing by Karin Tidbeck, which follows Aino, a tailor from a planet called Kiruna— considered an abandoned planet after mining companies drained it of its resources and left— and Petr, a visiting biologist from another world who is in need of her services.
✶ The Wings that Slice the Sky by Emmi Itäranta, which retells/reimagines the Kalevala, a Finnish Epic Poem rich in folklore.
Nordic Visions is an interesting and eclectic anthology of Nordic speculative fiction, though unfortunately many of the stories ended too abruptly and were too short to contain the intended impact of their themes and narratives. The formatting of the eARC did not benefit this either, as there was no obvious delineation of the short stories, and the titles were absent (although this may not be an issue in the published version). The stories themselves, however, were incredibly diverse in both their narrative scopes and in their respective placements within the speculative fiction genre. While not every story was suited to my taste (as will likely be the case with other readers, and with anthologies more generally), Nordic Visions was written and translated quite well, and is an excellent introduction to Nordic contributions to the speculative fiction genre.
My favorite short stories from this anthology are:
✶ Lost and Found by Maria Haskins, which follows the sole survivor of a spacecraft that crashes while on a mission to scout planets for terraforming and colonization potential.
✶ Sing by Karin Tidbeck, which follows Aino, a tailor from a planet called Kiruna— considered an abandoned planet after mining companies drained it of its resources and left— and Petr, a visiting biologist from another world who is in need of her services.
✶ The Wings that Slice the Sky by Emmi Itäranta, which retells/reimagines the Kalevala, a Finnish Epic Poem rich in folklore.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Suicide, Antisemitism, and Gun violence
Moderate: Child death, Infertility, Animal death, and Murder
Graphic depiction of violent antisemitism (not endorsed)jkellyjr's review
2.0
An odyssey into the heart of Nordic storytelling…..
Book Information
“Nordic Visions: The Best of Nordic Speculative Fiction”, edited by Margrét Helgadóttir is a 352-page short story anthology scheduled to be published on October 3, 2023. Thank you to Rebellion Publishing for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book for review.
Summary
This anthology offers a fusion of Nordic speculative fiction, seamlessly blending the dark, noir undertones of Nordic crime fiction with the epic storytelling reminiscent of Icelandic Sagas. These stories, ranging from rational to eccentric, are deeply rooted in their landscapes, exploring themes of isolation and humanity's impact on nature. Featuring Sixteen narratives by leading contemporary speculative authors hailing from Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands, this collection promises an immersive journey through the diverse realms of Nordic storytelling.
My Thoughts
"Nordic Visions: The Best of Nordic Speculative Fiction," edited by Margrét Helgadóttir, offers a captivating journey through the world of speculative fiction from the Nordic countries. This anthology showcases an eclectic mix of sixteen stories, each classified by the author's country of origin, providing a unique glimpse into the diverse voices of the Nordic literary landscape.
From Sweden, we encounter the talents of John Ajvide Lindqvist, Maria Haskins, and Karin Tidbeck, whose contributions infuse the anthology with a rich blend of themes. Denmark brings forth the imaginative works of Kaspar Colling Nielsen, Jakob Drud, and Lene Kaaberbø, adding depth and variety to the collection. The Faroe Islands contribute the storytelling of Rakel Helmsdal, while Iceland is represented by the masterful tales of Johann Thorsson and Alexander Dan Vilhjálmsson. Norway's presence is felt through the creativity of Tor Åge Bringsværd, Tone Almhjell, Thore Hansen, and Margrét Helgadóttir. Finally, Finland rounds out the anthology with the unique voices of Johanna Sinisalo, Hannu Rajaniemi, and Emmi Itäranta.
One notable feature of "Nordic Visions" is the inclusion of short biographies for each author, making it an excellent introduction to Nordic literary voices for readers unfamiliar with these writers.
The anthology's strength lies in its wide range of topics, encompassing themes such as paranormal, extraterrestrial, sci-fi, technology, folklore, and horror. The stories exhibit remarkable diversity in tones and subject matter, showcasing the breadth of speculative fiction within the Nordic region.
However, it's worth noting that a recurring characteristic of many stories is their abrupt endings, leaving readers wanting more closure. While this might be a characteristic of Nordic or speculative fiction, it could be jarring for those accustomed to more definitive conclusions.
One standout in the anthology is the opening story, "She" by Ajvide Lindqvist, which delivers suspense and tension in a gripping ghost story. Although it offers a fantastic reading experience, some may find the ending a bit vague.
One issue with the book is the lack of clear breaks between stories and the absence of titles for each story within the text. This can make it challenging to discern where one story ends and another begins, disrupting the reader's flow. An introduction to each author or a short teaser for their respective stories would have been immensely helpful in this regard.
Despite this, there are gems to be found within "Nordic Visions." "The Cormorant" by Tone Almhjell and "The Day Jonas Shadowed His Dad" by Thore Hansen are among the stories that stand out.
Additionally, it's worth acknowledging the striking and attention-grabbing book cover, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to this anthology.
Recommendation
"Nordic Visions: The Best of Nordic Speculative Fiction" offers a diverse and intriguing collection of stories from the Nordic region. While it may leave some readers seeking more conclusive endings and a smoother transition between stories, it provides an introduction to the work of talented Nordic authors in the realm of speculative fiction.
Rating
2.5 Nordic Stars
Book Information
“Nordic Visions: The Best of Nordic Speculative Fiction”, edited by Margrét Helgadóttir is a 352-page short story anthology scheduled to be published on October 3, 2023. Thank you to Rebellion Publishing for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book for review.
Summary
This anthology offers a fusion of Nordic speculative fiction, seamlessly blending the dark, noir undertones of Nordic crime fiction with the epic storytelling reminiscent of Icelandic Sagas. These stories, ranging from rational to eccentric, are deeply rooted in their landscapes, exploring themes of isolation and humanity's impact on nature. Featuring Sixteen narratives by leading contemporary speculative authors hailing from Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands, this collection promises an immersive journey through the diverse realms of Nordic storytelling.
My Thoughts
"Nordic Visions: The Best of Nordic Speculative Fiction," edited by Margrét Helgadóttir, offers a captivating journey through the world of speculative fiction from the Nordic countries. This anthology showcases an eclectic mix of sixteen stories, each classified by the author's country of origin, providing a unique glimpse into the diverse voices of the Nordic literary landscape.
From Sweden, we encounter the talents of John Ajvide Lindqvist, Maria Haskins, and Karin Tidbeck, whose contributions infuse the anthology with a rich blend of themes. Denmark brings forth the imaginative works of Kaspar Colling Nielsen, Jakob Drud, and Lene Kaaberbø, adding depth and variety to the collection. The Faroe Islands contribute the storytelling of Rakel Helmsdal, while Iceland is represented by the masterful tales of Johann Thorsson and Alexander Dan Vilhjálmsson. Norway's presence is felt through the creativity of Tor Åge Bringsværd, Tone Almhjell, Thore Hansen, and Margrét Helgadóttir. Finally, Finland rounds out the anthology with the unique voices of Johanna Sinisalo, Hannu Rajaniemi, and Emmi Itäranta.
One notable feature of "Nordic Visions" is the inclusion of short biographies for each author, making it an excellent introduction to Nordic literary voices for readers unfamiliar with these writers.
The anthology's strength lies in its wide range of topics, encompassing themes such as paranormal, extraterrestrial, sci-fi, technology, folklore, and horror. The stories exhibit remarkable diversity in tones and subject matter, showcasing the breadth of speculative fiction within the Nordic region.
However, it's worth noting that a recurring characteristic of many stories is their abrupt endings, leaving readers wanting more closure. While this might be a characteristic of Nordic or speculative fiction, it could be jarring for those accustomed to more definitive conclusions.
One standout in the anthology is the opening story, "She" by Ajvide Lindqvist, which delivers suspense and tension in a gripping ghost story. Although it offers a fantastic reading experience, some may find the ending a bit vague.
One issue with the book is the lack of clear breaks between stories and the absence of titles for each story within the text. This can make it challenging to discern where one story ends and another begins, disrupting the reader's flow. An introduction to each author or a short teaser for their respective stories would have been immensely helpful in this regard.
Despite this, there are gems to be found within "Nordic Visions." "The Cormorant" by Tone Almhjell and "The Day Jonas Shadowed His Dad" by Thore Hansen are among the stories that stand out.
Additionally, it's worth acknowledging the striking and attention-grabbing book cover, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to this anthology.
Recommendation
"Nordic Visions: The Best of Nordic Speculative Fiction" offers a diverse and intriguing collection of stories from the Nordic region. While it may leave some readers seeking more conclusive endings and a smoother transition between stories, it provides an introduction to the work of talented Nordic authors in the realm of speculative fiction.
Rating
2.5 Nordic Stars
charliereadsalot's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.75
3.75 STARS
CW: death (including of animals and children), insects, sexual content, pregnancy, blood, violence, murder
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Ever since I learned about the existence of this short story collection I'd been looking forward to it and I was overjoyed when I was approved for an ARC on NetGalley last month! I've lately become fascinated with the Northern European countries and realized I don't really know much about their folklore besides Norse mythology. Additionally, even though as the editor Margrét Helgadóttir mentions in the introduction Scandinavian thriller and crime fiction are incredibly popular, I have never read any (because it's not really my genre).
I'm very glad that I began my dive into Nordic literature with this collection because it gave a fascinating overview and selection of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands in the form of one or more short stories. None of the authors were familiar to me but I can definitely see myself checking out some other works by a few of them! There was a running theme of solitude and tight-knit communities in these stories that I found utterly enchanting.
I do admit, some of the stories were a little bit boring to me but nevertheless I enjoyed each one of them even the ones that couldn't hold my attention as well as others. My favorites were probably:
The False Fisherman by Kaspar Colling Nielsen (translated by Olivia Lasky) because it gave me a lot to think about and I really liked the composition of the story.
The Dreamgiver by Johann Thorsson because it was creepy and atmospheric and unlike what I usually read which made it all the more interesting to me.
As You Wish by Tor Åge Bringsværd (translated by Olivia Lasky) which was written in a very intriguing style and which also incited me to think about what I was reading.
A Lion Roars in Longyearbyen by Margrét Helgadóttir which had amazing worldbuilding that I would have love to learn more about and which was also incredibly sad but still so good. The title alone is amazing in my opinion.
And finally, The Wings that Slice the Sky by Emmi Itäranta which I found out is inspired / retells a Finnish epic poem that I will definitely have to check out in the future. This was rich in folklore which was noticeable even though I did not know any of said folklore. I'm very curious how this story / these characters are written in the original tale because I have a sneaking suspicion that some aspects were changed in this story. I absolutely loved it.
The collection was so diverse in tones and subject matters that I think everyone will find something to their liking among these stories. I wish there would have been some context, especially when stories were inspired by or involving folklore that the readers might be unfamiliar with. Even if it was just a small note or reference. The short story collection that was always at the back of my mind while reading this (and which I was comparing this to) was The Way Spring Arrives and Other Stories which included some essays interspersed between the stories which provided some commentary and information on culture and, for example, obstacles when it came to translations. I would have been glad for something similar in this collection but as it stands, I will have to do my own research.
I can definitely recommend this collection to SFF fans and even those who don't enjoy fantasy as a lot of the stories were very literary spruced up with some magical or sci-fi elements. Even if there are only a few stories to be read, this is well worth it and I'm glad I read it! When it comes out, I will definitely be purchasing a physical copy!
CW: death (including of animals and children), insects, sexual content, pregnancy, blood, violence, murder
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Ever since I learned about the existence of this short story collection I'd been looking forward to it and I was overjoyed when I was approved for an ARC on NetGalley last month! I've lately become fascinated with the Northern European countries and realized I don't really know much about their folklore besides Norse mythology. Additionally, even though as the editor Margrét Helgadóttir mentions in the introduction Scandinavian thriller and crime fiction are incredibly popular, I have never read any (because it's not really my genre).
I'm very glad that I began my dive into Nordic literature with this collection because it gave a fascinating overview and selection of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands in the form of one or more short stories. None of the authors were familiar to me but I can definitely see myself checking out some other works by a few of them! There was a running theme of solitude and tight-knit communities in these stories that I found utterly enchanting.
I do admit, some of the stories were a little bit boring to me but nevertheless I enjoyed each one of them even the ones that couldn't hold my attention as well as others. My favorites were probably:
The False Fisherman by Kaspar Colling Nielsen (translated by Olivia Lasky) because it gave me a lot to think about and I really liked the composition of the story.
The Dreamgiver by Johann Thorsson because it was creepy and atmospheric and unlike what I usually read which made it all the more interesting to me.
As You Wish by Tor Åge Bringsværd (translated by Olivia Lasky) which was written in a very intriguing style and which also incited me to think about what I was reading.
A Lion Roars in Longyearbyen by Margrét Helgadóttir which had amazing worldbuilding that I would have love to learn more about and which was also incredibly sad but still so good. The title alone is amazing in my opinion.
And finally, The Wings that Slice the Sky by Emmi Itäranta which I found out is inspired / retells a Finnish epic poem that I will definitely have to check out in the future. This was rich in folklore which was noticeable even though I did not know any of said folklore. I'm very curious how this story / these characters are written in the original tale because I have a sneaking suspicion that some aspects were changed in this story. I absolutely loved it.
The collection was so diverse in tones and subject matters that I think everyone will find something to their liking among these stories. I wish there would have been some context, especially when stories were inspired by or involving folklore that the readers might be unfamiliar with. Even if it was just a small note or reference. The short story collection that was always at the back of my mind while reading this (and which I was comparing this to) was The Way Spring Arrives and Other Stories which included some essays interspersed between the stories which provided some commentary and information on culture and, for example, obstacles when it came to translations. I would have been glad for something similar in this collection but as it stands, I will have to do my own research.
I can definitely recommend this collection to SFF fans and even those who don't enjoy fantasy as a lot of the stories were very literary spruced up with some magical or sci-fi elements. Even if there are only a few stories to be read, this is well worth it and I'm glad I read it! When it comes out, I will definitely be purchasing a physical copy!
not_another_ana's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher
A compilation of speculative fiction short stories by sixteen different nordic authors that has a lot of fascinating ideas and wide variety of writing styles. Some of the stories worked for me, others not so much. I did appreciate the taste of the different cultures of the region, I think it's the strongest part of this anthology, so I highly recommend it to anyone out there who is tired of reading the same over and over again.
I think most of them were, at the very least, interesting but I didn't enjoy all of them. The standouts for me were Sing by Karin Tidbeck from Sweden, which shows the way humans adapted to life in an alien planet. From Iceland I quite enjoyed Johann Thorsson's The Dreamgiver, a story about nightmares and family secrets. My favorite of all of them was The Cormorant by Tone Almhjell from Norway, I found it well written, intriguing and full of love.
A compilation of speculative fiction short stories by sixteen different nordic authors that has a lot of fascinating ideas and wide variety of writing styles. Some of the stories worked for me, others not so much. I did appreciate the taste of the different cultures of the region, I think it's the strongest part of this anthology, so I highly recommend it to anyone out there who is tired of reading the same over and over again.
I think most of them were, at the very least, interesting but I didn't enjoy all of them. The standouts for me were Sing by Karin Tidbeck from Sweden, which shows the way humans adapted to life in an alien planet. From Iceland I quite enjoyed Johann Thorsson's The Dreamgiver, a story about nightmares and family secrets. My favorite of all of them was The Cormorant by Tone Almhjell from Norway, I found it well written, intriguing and full of love.
srivalli's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
4 Stars
One Liner: Intriguing, creative, and entertaining
Nordic Visions is a collection of speculative fiction written by famous authors from the region. The editor’s note emphasizes that the stories aren’t necessarily set in the region but only belong to the Nordic authors. Also, the focus is on ‘speculative fiction’ and not ‘Nordic fiction’. This helps in having the right expectations from the book.
I could enjoy the stories as they are without wondering why many of them have nothing to do with their native land. The collection is categorized based on countries. This doesn’t add anything except to bring a better structure to the anthology.
As always, I rate each story, accompanied by a short review. Only 4 out of 16 stories fall below the 4-star mark. Each story is distinctive, but they have common themes like technological domination, a blend of science and mythology, nature, etc.
I read one or two stories per day and wrote the reviews soon after reading. These haven’t been edited (except for grammar) to retain the initial impressions.
Sweden
She by John Ajvide Lindqvist (Translated by Marlaine Delargy) – 4 Stars
The narrator and his wife Alice spend their earnings rebuilding an old home. They are excited for a new beginning. However, someone else also seems to have moved in with them. But who is she? What does she want? The story is divided into three nights for the present track, with the past woven in between. The narration is slow-paced but atmospheric and suits the plot. The clues are artfully scattered and provide enough detail to connect the dots. The ending is open, though.
Lost and Found by Maria Haskins – 4 Stars
So this is set in the future on an unnamed planet with loads of sand. The story comes in the limited third-person of two characters. While the plot, as such, is vague, the writing has a haunting beauty to it. The recurring use of wind creates a kind of melancholic melody (something I didn’t know was possible in sci-fi). However, a couple of lines in the second person broke my focus.
Sing by Karin Tidbeck – 4 Stars
This is set in a possible colony in a dystopian future with artificial satellites as moons. Aino is a tailor who meets Petr, a biologist studying lichen’s growth in the region. He is fascinated with the locals (and Aino) while she longs for something else. The story comes from Aino’s first-person POV and weaves between the present and past. I’m still not sure about the setting, but whatever is provided works to imagine it to an extent. It’s a story of longing for acceptance.
Denmark
The False Fisherman by Kaspar Colling Nielsen (Translated by Olivia Lasky) – 3.5 Stars
Written in the third person, we get the story of a 40+ man who decides to become a fisherman. It has less to do with fishing but everything to do with being a fisherman. How this changes his life is the story. The writing is distant and almost without emotion, which suits the MC’s arc. This feels more like a metaphorical tale with deeper meanings.
Heather Country by Jakob Drud – 3.5 Stars
Set in a dystopian world, we have people using pig shit as fertilizer for fuel. The NeuroClan, with not-so-human accountants, rules the region with a super tight fist. The narrator and a biologist are sent to investigate the case, which becomes two cases. What’s the connection? What will happen? The premise is definitely creative, but the use of well-known tropes dim the enjoyment. Some readers will love this one.
The Traveller Girl by Lene Kaaberbøl – 4 Stars
Jovin knows he’ll become the owner of Hasalin when he marries Siri next year. His life seems sorted until he meets a traveler girl, Zara. The villagers hate Travelers, and things escalate. However, Jovin might learn a few lessons in the process. The story comes from Jovin’s third-person POV. The narration and execution are simple, elevating the content and unsaid to take over. The ending is the icing on the cake.
The Faroe Islands
The Abyss by Rakel Helmsdal (Translated by Marita Thomsen) – 2 Stars
Umm… this is a first-person narration of a person hanging upside down on an endless iron bar. What happens when they decide to let go? How are they? What is their destination? I’m not sure what this story is about. My first impression was that on the Hanged Man from Tarot Cards. Let’s say the ending also seems to align with it. Otherwise, this went over my head. Thankfully, it was a short piece.
Iceland
The Dreamgiver by Johann Thorsson – 4.5 Stars
Oh, this is good! A real short story narrated in the first-person by a dad who wants to protect his son from nightmares. The setting is eerie. The writing has a weariness that matches the character’s situation. The core storyline is very simple, but the execution enhances it.
Hamraborg Babylon by Alexander Dan Vilhjálmsson (Translated by Quentin Bates) – 4 Stars
A woman walks into the mysterious Hamraborg city on a mission. The place is creepy, strange, and almost impossible to escape. But what does she want? Does she succeed? Written in a detached third-person POV, this one gave me strong Neverwhere (by Neil Gaiman) vibes. The ending is almost anti-climatic, but looks like that’s the intention.
Norway
As You Wish by Tor Åge Bringsværd (Translated by Olivia Lasky) – 4 Stars
Written in the second-person POV, this story is set in dystopian mines underground. The story feels disjointed in the beginning, but things fall into place soon. The execution and narration make this a worthy read. It’s almost like a mind game.
The Cormorant by Tone Almhjell – 4.5 Stars
Set on an island and narrated by a girl raised by a single mother, this is the story of loneliness, despair, and the struggle for belongingness. The setting is atmospheric, with the icy sea wind adding tinges of darkness to the plot. It does seem like a metaphorical tale, but it does work as a regular tale (with an open ending). The writing is beautiful.
The Day Jonas Shadowed His Dad by Thore Hansen (Translated by Olivia Lasky) – 3.5 Stars
This is MG fiction! Needless to say, I was surprised to find a light and cute story in the book. Written in Jonas’ third-person POV, it’s the story of what happens when the kid follows his dad to know where he works. The content is vibrant and full of light, but the story as such feels a little too simple. There’s a lot of detail and description, but the plot is thin. The ending is good, though.
A Lion Roars in Longyearbyen by Margrét Helgadóttir – 4.5 Stars
Oh, this is beautiful! Set in a distant future, it’s the story of a missing celebrity lion, Levi. Told from the third-person POV of multiple characters, the story reveals itself in layers and ends on a bittersweet note. It’s heartfelt and beautiful.
Finland
A Bird Does Not Sing Because It Has an Answer by Johanna Sinisalo – 5 Stars
Set in the future (2042), the story deals with a person using an advanced virtual avatar to gather data from an AI Box in a forest. He details his experience of the process and what happens when he finds a bird’s nest on the Box. The second half of the story is wonderful. The message is delivered without any preaching or drama. One of the best stories in the book.
Elegy for a Young Elk by Hannu Rajaniemi – 4 Stars
Well! What do I say? It’s a strange story with a strange setting. But Kosonen is as human as he can get. Otso, the talking bear is another highlight. But what makes the story tick is the last quarter, especially the ending. Heartwarming! A highly imaginative premise with the right touch of humanity.
The Wings that Slice the Sky by Emmi Itäranta – 4.5 Stars
This is a retelling of the Finnish National Epic, Kalevala, told from Louhi’s first-person POV. It’s a proper mythological fantasy with drama, emotions, betrayal, greed, revenge, sorcery, etc. The writing is strong and makes the story come alive on the pages. I read a quick summary of a version of the original from Wiki and would like to read a fuller version someday. Can’t say whether the story does justice to the epic, though it does use the core elements (from what I’ve found).
To summarize, Nordic Visions is an intriguing, entertaining, and thought-provoking collection of speculative fiction by writers from the Nordic region. Check out the book to see which stories you’ll enjoy.
The author bios are at the end of the book, and naturally, I added a few books to my TBR after going through the list!
Thank you, NetGalley and Rebellion Publishing (Solaris), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #NordicVisions
primmiiee's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
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