With more than 30 million copies of his works published in 37 languages, award-winning author Henning Mankell may be Sweden' s most accomplished novelist. Here he crafts the icy, atmospheric tale of Fredrik Welin, a disgraced surgeon living in exile on a small island. When Fredrik receives a surprise visit from a lover he abandoned decades earlier, he begins the difficult road to redemption.
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"One of my favourite writers. Once a successful surgeon, Welin now lives in self-imposed exile on an island after amputating the wrong arm. The only woman he ever loved turns up after 40 years with cancer and a secret. Not fast moving but compelling. Mankell tackles ageing and death with sensitivity."
— Bachyboy (4 out of 5 stars)
“Mankell is in the great tradition of those whose works transcend their chosen genre to become thrilling and moral literature.”
— Michael Ondaatje, Booker Prize–winning author of The English Patient“Moving…Mankell displays his considerable gifts for characterization as he succeeds in making his emotionally limited lead character sympathetic.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review)“Mankell…offers a rich, thoughtful reflection on human isolation and redemption. Strozier’s controlled, nontheatrical performance is a perfect fit.”
— AudioFile“[A] short, beautiful, and ultimately life-affirming novel.”
— Booklist“Mankell…has an ability to create an intimate atmosphere that places the reader directly into the world of his characters, which is nothing short of brilliant.”
— Library Journal" Great storyline and great narration! Well done 4/5 would recommend "
— JCampos, 12/9/2022" Very different type of Mankell. I loved the heavy atmospheric sense he created of that part of Sweden and for that he deserves a 3.5. "
— Lorna, 2/8/2014" Finished. Thanks God. Only Mankell's Depths are more depressing. The 'home-made' cremation was simply the top. I will better wait for Wallander series. "
— Eva, 2/1/2014" Thoroughly enjoyed this. Thanks to all who recommended it to me. I love the world of it, the kind of soft magical realism to it. The people are wonderful, familiar, true. "
— Meg, 1/9/2014" Drifting through an unedited Bergman drama, the dark and brooding tone wears out and the darkness becomes attitude instead of meaning. "
— Daniel, 1/7/2014" I just couldn't finish it. I really tried because I hat not finishing books, but then I though life is short and I should be spending my time on books I enjoy. For the things the characters did just didn't make much sense. Why does a man who has placed himself on a secluded island jump up and go when a woman from fourty years ago appears? He had left her after all.There were many other smaller instances when I just couldn't believe that it was what a person would do, but I won't get into all that since they are spoilers and I just don't care to spend anymore time thinking about this book. "
— Fiona, 1/4/2014" this is a wonderful life affirming story by an author whose crime fiction I really like. a short heartwarming story of love and redemption. I would have liked to meet the characters in the story "
— Fran, 12/20/2013" Henning Mankell has become one of my favorite authors, surprising because I had never picked up a book that was billed as "mystery." since reading (and loving) Nancy Drew. This, a novel by Mankell, is extraordinary. The setting is cold and icy; chilling; gripping, but beautifully written. "
— Deborah, 12/14/2013" Great characters, reflections on death. I read the French translation. Made me want to read one of his detective novels. Memorable and original, but melancholy. "
— Cynthia, 12/11/2013" On my Nook...can't wait as I love Henning Mankell "
— Linda, 11/27/2013" OK, but a little cold and depressing. "
— Chris, 11/19/2013Henning Mankell (1948–2015) was Sweden’s most-read author worldwide. His novels, which include the bestselling Kurt Wallander mysteries, have been translated into thirty-seven languages with more than thirty million copies in print worldwide. He has received the Crime Writers’ Association’s Macallan Gold Dagger and the German Tolerance Prize and has been a three-time finalist for the Los Angeles Times Mystery/Thriller Book Prize.
Henry Strozier is an actor with a forty-year career in numerous movies and television series. Also a voice-over artist, he has worked extensively in video games and audiobook narration, earning several AudioFile Earphones Awards.