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A review by citrus_seasalt
Fire from the Sky by Moa Backe Åstot
4.0
You know? I’m glad I read this! I was captivated by how easily Åstot was able to capture not only the reactions of her teenage cast(seriously, none of them felt out of place for 16-17 year olds, I thought that was thought-out!), but the longing of them. Of course, in the context of the story’s romance plot, the focus is on Ánte’s emotions when I make that second point.
I also loved the descriptions!! The Sámi culture strewn in throughout felt so lively, there were several mentions of not just traditions but cultural clothing and the like throughout. I also felt totally immersed in the Swedish setting. And I don’t know how else to describe it, but sometimes in different scenes, there were these little actions done by Ánte (like setting a glass down in the sink and hearing it clink) that made him feel more human.
My only drawbacks are that I thought the translation made the writing feel a little strange or janky at times, the ending felt abrupt, and I wish there was more closure on Ánte’s conflict with his dad specifically. I’m bummed I can’t experience this in its original Swedish text(I don’t know the language lol), but I still thought this was a solid book! Surprised at how little it’s been reviewed and talked about. Perhaps I’ll check out more by this author, if her other works get translated. I also want to read more nonfiction about the Sámi people, which while it’s in part because of this book, it’s also because they get largely glossed over in the scope of Swedish/Scandinavian history. (But having a queer book like this centering them is super important, too!)
I also loved the descriptions!! The Sámi culture strewn in throughout felt so lively, there were several mentions of not just traditions but cultural clothing and the like throughout. I also felt totally immersed in the Swedish setting. And I don’t know how else to describe it, but sometimes in different scenes, there were these little actions done by Ánte (like setting a glass down in the sink and hearing it clink) that made him feel more human.
My only drawbacks are that I thought the translation made the writing feel a little strange or janky at times, the ending felt abrupt, and I wish there was more closure on Ánte’s conflict with his dad specifically. I’m bummed I can’t experience this in its original Swedish text(I don’t know the language lol), but I still thought this was a solid book! Surprised at how little it’s been reviewed and talked about. Perhaps I’ll check out more by this author, if her other works get translated. I also want to read more nonfiction about the Sámi people, which while it’s in part because of this book, it’s also because they get largely glossed over in the scope of Swedish/Scandinavian history. (But having a queer book like this centering them is super important, too!)