A review by underthejunipertree
The True Deceiver by Tove Jansson

challenging dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

The distrust bred between Anna and Katri was unnerving! The eeriness of their interactions where both cannot admit the effect of the other brings about

garbage on the ice, flashing yellow eyes, a dog's madness

. It's uncomfortable to read because of how starkly the story brushes against the ethics of deception (e.g. What lies do you tell yourself to help you sleep at night?). This short story is so unexpectedly powerful, I hurried to finish.