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ladygeeke 's review for:
Wolf Winter
by Cecilia Ekbäck
I thought this book was astounding, probably the best I have read this year.
Set in 18th century Lapland, it combines a political expose, a tale of a difficult adolescence, a deeply philosophical examination of the power of religion in rural society, the hardships of a pioneer family in harsh conditions, and a 'Scandi noir' mystery.
It is bleak and introspective to a painful degree. The setting is a cruel, seemingly endless winter above the Arctic Circle where starving wolves roam the mountains and dawn is only a distant dream. The language is stark and unforgiving. None of the characters is likeable and their motives are always suspect. And yet...
This book is beautiful. It is optimistic in the sense that, no matter what horrendous events take place, even if in the end there is no resolution of anything that has gone before, people survive and move on. The author has specified that there will not be a sequel, which is perfect because the mental images we have of the main characters will stay with us always.
Set in 18th century Lapland, it combines a political expose, a tale of a difficult adolescence, a deeply philosophical examination of the power of religion in rural society, the hardships of a pioneer family in harsh conditions, and a 'Scandi noir' mystery.
It is bleak and introspective to a painful degree. The setting is a cruel, seemingly endless winter above the Arctic Circle where starving wolves roam the mountains and dawn is only a distant dream. The language is stark and unforgiving. None of the characters is likeable and their motives are always suspect. And yet...
This book is beautiful. It is optimistic in the sense that, no matter what horrendous events take place, even if in the end there is no resolution of anything that has gone before, people survive and move on. The author has specified that there will not be a sequel, which is perfect because the mental images we have of the main characters will stay with us always.