A review by paperknotbooks
Strega by Johanne Lykke Holm

challenging dark hopeful mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Brrr!! This was romantically bleak, but gothic touches cast candy colored shadows. Somehow. So rich in earthy details, the mysteriousness feels warm, despite the eeriness of the tone of voice.

I notice the change of “I” to “we,” to “one.” There’s a found family here, which is wholesome because it felt a bit awkward at first. 

Such lovely prose! I can hardly wait to read more from Lykke Holm. I hope Vogel is awarded for the translation—beautiful work!