A review by colbysawyer
Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist

4.0

Let the Right One In is my first contact with Scandinavian literature, and I must admit that a certain distinct style is indeed unquestionable here. The book is a kind of slow introduction and exploration of the depressing Stochkholm estate in the first half, then it picks up in the second half and spares no blood. Unfortunately, the book doesn't build up as the pages go on, as it should. Too often Lindqvist heavily retards the plot, leaving the reader a little weary. Although he has an excellent story, he fails to dose it properly. Some lines feel redundant (Tommy-Yvonne-Staffan), while other times he strays from the plot unnecessarily. I think the book could have been written 50 pages shorter and it would have only added to the quality. I should also mention that the author has taken the whip hand here by making the main characters twelve years old, in the first third their age still seems believable, but as time goes on the situation and behaviour seems absurd given their age. I don't want to take this as a minus, however, because this mischief is present in many works with children. Otherwise, however, the book is indeed hilarious. The multiple lines and points of view on the situation give the book a very fresh feel, and it's great to enjoy all the sad characters with their woes. Let the Right One In is an excellent romance book that brings a much needed innovation to the vampire genre. The plot is interesting, the author isn't afraid to go into really rough situations and the setting coupled with the atmosphere keeps the reader hooked until the end. A cool read that has something to say, even for non-fans of fantasy literature.