Category Archives: novels in translation

“Block 46” by Johana Gustawsson – Book Review

Posted on May 22, 2019 by

“Outstanding, devastating, and memorable crime fiction” Originally written in French, it is brilliantly and seamlessly translated by Maxim Jakubowski.  The blurb: In Falkenberg Sweden, the mutilated body of a talented young jewelry designer Linnéa Blix is found in a snow-swept … Continue reading →

Posted in 1st in series, Book Reviews, Historical fiction, novels in translation, Orenda Books | Tagged , , | 12 Comments

“Get Well Soon” by Marie-Sabine Roger – Book Review

Posted on February 9, 2019 by

A few years ago I read a little novel called “Soft in the head“. It left such a positive impression that I just HAD to read another work by this talented author.  Once again, she has left me wanting more. … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Edelweiss, Literary fiction, Memorable lines, novels in translation | Tagged , , | 16 Comments

“The secret diary of Hendrik Groen 83 1⁄4 Years Old” by Hendrik Groen

Posted on February 27, 2018 by

The novel opens with: “Another year, and I still don’t like old people. Their walker shuffle, their unreasonable impatience, their endless complaints, their tea and cookies, their bellyaching.  Me? I am eighty-three years old.” Considering that the basis of this … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Literary fiction, NetGalley, novels in translation | Tagged , , , | 19 Comments

“Beartown” by Fredrik Backman – Book Review

Posted on January 9, 2018 by

“In this story of a small forest town, Fredrik Backman has found the entire world.” It is official!  I can honestly say that Fredrik Backman is my favorite author.  I have now read everything he has written, and all have … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Favorite books, Literary fiction, Memorable lines, NetGalley, novels in translation, Scandinavian | Tagged , , , , | 48 Comments

“The deal of a lifetime” by Fredrik Backman

Posted on December 5, 2017 by

Fredrik Backman never disappoints, but he may pull at your heartstrings more than a little… He begins the story in this way: “Does it make a difference if I killed a good person? A loved person? A valuable life? If … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Christmas, Literary fiction, Novellas, novels in translation, Scandinavian | Tagged , | 14 Comments

Throwback Thursday – an old favorite recommended

Posted on August 24, 2017 by

Renee at It’s Book Talk began this meme as a way to share old favourites, as well as books that were published over a year ago. Not to mention those that are languishing on the to be read pile for whatever reason. This week … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Favorite books, Mystery fiction, novels in translation, Throwback Thursday | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments

If you haven’t read anything by Karin Alvtegen – what’s stopping you?

Posted on June 2, 2017 by

Years before I started this blog when I was working as a public library cataloguer, a book crossed my desk that caught my eye.  With an adorable little boy on the cover, it immediately piqued my interest.My review of “Shadow” … Continue reading →

Posted in Authors, Favorite books, novels in translation, Psychological thrillers, Scandinavian | Tagged , , | 15 Comments

“The yellow house” by Jeroen Blokhuis

Posted on April 26, 2017 by

Dutch author, Jeroen Blokhuis tells Vincent van Gogh’s story as the artist would have told it. The novel depicts van Gogh’s life when he lived in his beloved ‘yellow house’ in Arles, France between August 1888 and December 1889. “it’s … Continue reading →

Posted in biographical fiction, Book Reviews, debut novels, Historical fiction, novels in translation | Tagged , , | 18 Comments

“The bird tribunal” by Agnes Ravatn – Book Review

Posted on January 24, 2017 by

Allis Hagtorn has done something of which she is profoundly ashamed.  She seeks anonymity and a refuge where she can come to terms with her behavior and her future.  She finds employment in a remote house on a Norwegian fjord. … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Favorite books, Fiction, novels in translation, Psychological thrillers, Scandinavian, Suspense | Tagged , , , | 15 Comments

“The Trap” by Melanie Raabe – Book Review

Posted on October 26, 2016 by

Winner of the prestigious Stuttgart Crime Prize for best crime debut of the year, “The Trap” has been called a ‘must-read’ debut thriller. The premise is intriguing.  A reclusive novelist, traumatized by her sister’s murder, sets an elaborate trap for the murderer. … Continue reading →

Posted in award winners, Book Reviews, debut novels, Dustjackets, novels in translation, Psychological thrillers | Tagged , , , | 14 Comments

“Soft in the head” by Marie-Sabine Roger

Posted on October 19, 2016 by

This is the engaging story of two people who come together in friendship, kindness, affection, and appreciation. A remarkable and heart-rending novel that perfectly illustrates the quote: “Friends are the family we choose for ourselves.” The first lines of “Soft in … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Favorite books, Fiction, Literary fiction, NetGalley, novels in translation | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

“The murder of Halland” by Pia Juul

Posted on September 15, 2016 by

What a clever, enigmatic, and disorientating book! Bess is a writer.  A grieving, eccentric, bizarre writer who drinks more than she writes. Her husband Halland has been shot. The story is told solely from Bess’s point of view.  Since she … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Edelweiss, Literary fiction, novels in translation, Scandinavian, Writing | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

“Alex” by Pierre Lemaitre

Posted on June 27, 2016 by

Alex Prévost is a beautiful woman – a thirty year-old agency nurse who tries to do good. A beautiful woman who has been abducted for reasons at first unknown, and she is the victim of inhumane torture at the hands of her abductor.  Your … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Fiction, novels in translation, Page turners, Series order, Suspense | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

“Like Family” by Paolo Giordano

Posted on May 27, 2016 by

This story is scarcely more than novella length and so skillfully written that I can only guess it loses nothing in its translation from the original Italian. A young, dual-career couple living in Turin, Italy are expecting their first child.  When the … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Fiction, Love stories, NetGalley, Novellas, novels in translation | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

“The Forgotten Girls” by Sara Blaedel – Book Review

Posted on February 25, 2016 by

An intense, dark, and often disturbing novel, “The Forgotten Girls” is a great example of ‘Nordic Noir‘.  Originally published in Danish, and set in Zealand, Denmark, this police procedural had me enthralled from the get go. The novel features Lousie Rick, … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Mystery fiction, NetGalley, novels in translation, Page turners, Scandinavian, Series order | Tagged , , | 2 Comments