A review by jager123
The Hired Man by Aminatta Forna

It is difficult to describe this book. A work of literature set in the former Yugoslavia/Croatia. Part psychological thriller. Part international home reno novel. The Hired Man is the narrator, the central character, a watcher, a silent witness. I think I knew where it was heading but found my heart racing anyway. The answers are a long time coming, and not all the answers are provided. But the lack of an answer cannot be faulted when the context is considered. Set across pre and post war times. The tale of what one town experienced during a terrible time but it isn’t the focus for most of the novel. The writing is beautiful, weaving vivid images I could see. So much sadness but strength and survival also. Um it’s also alittle twisted.