A review by serendipitysbooks
Ædnan by Linnea Axelsson

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. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings