Reviews

This turned out to be a one sitting kind of book. Desolate and sweeping. Best when describing the immensity of the landscape and rythmns of absolute solitude.

There a a few instances where the style of writing leaves things too vague and I’d have liked a bit more context, particularly for the meeting with Asa. I understand we see the world through Håkan’s eyes, but the threat of the “brethren” never felt real to me. They were background boogeymen whose relevance and power lacked heft. Came across like a semi-realised idea tacked in to be shaped at some later date that never came.

Otherwise it was very relentless and heartbreaking.

cjvphd's review against another edition

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3.0

3 stars: 5 for the beautifully descriptive prose, 1 for the ridiculous story that tried way too hard. Hakan loses Linus, but in search for Linus Hakan becomes The Hawk and ultimately finds himself. Sort of. It's just not a compelling story and feels exceedingly creative-writing 101. But the language really is exquisite.

shrayshray's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful medium-paced

5.0

marisatn's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

For a book set in expansive places, it felt deeply claustrophobic. Diaz is an incredible writer and you feel every step Hakan takes as he wanders around the country, finding and then losing people. You feel his depression and solitude, but also the wonder and beauty he experiences.