undulateabyss5 's review for:

Stolen by Ann-Helén Laestadius

4.5

challenging dark emotional tense slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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The story follows nine-year-old girl Elsa when she encounters her calf brutally killed and her parents immediately believe that it was an act of terror as their family is of Sámi heritage (the indigenous Finno-Ugric people). Despite going to the local police about the incident, they do little to nothing for them as they see it as “minor theft” while the event changes Elsa and her family. A decade later and now an adult, Elsa is now more determined to bring the man responsible for the killing and recent attacks.

Laestadius’ novel is a very tense and emotionally harsh coming-of-story about family, heritage and justice that does get awfully heinous at times. The way Elsa’s story starts pretty much shows you how the novel’s tone and feel is. There’s plenty of story that also centers on others than Elsa and her family that can make it feel a bit overwhelming. She still manages to be the most engaging part of the story as she goes through so much to find justice for her family and their reindeer. Bittersweet, but still ends satisfyingly. <b>A- (91%/Excellent)</b>