Book Club: In September we're reading Let The Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist
Join us in September as we explore one of Sweden's most famous contemporary novels, Let The Right One In.
You may well have heard of this novel before; it's been showered with awards, turned into two movies (one Swedish, one English) and often appears on lists of the best Swedish books, making it a perfect Book Club choice.
Be warned, it's very creepy and by no means an easy read (some scenes are disturbing). Lindqvist uses the horror genre as a vehicle for social commentary, exploring plenty of dark issues from alcoholism and bullying to pornography in its in pages.
Set in the autumn of 1981, we meet 12-year-old Oskar, who is badly bullied and dreams of revenge on his classmates. Feeling isolated, he sinks into morbid fantasies which are only heightened after the gruesome murder of a local teenager.
At the same time, he meets a mysterious neighbour who seems highly intelligent but withdrawn and slightly strange.
And as readers, we're introduced to another group of characters who are more directly affected by the events taking place in the neighbourhood and see them very differently to Oskar.
This book takes us away from the central parts of Stockholm that are favoured by tourists and authors alike.
Instead we're transported to the suburb of Blackeberg. Built in the north of the city in the 1950s, it's an example of the Swedish folkhem architecture, simple homes with a focus on a neighbourhood where everyone plays a part (folkhemmet or 'the people's home' is also used to refer to Social Democratic welfare policies in the late 20th century). This emphasises the key themes of isolation, home, and loneliness that weave through the novel.
The choice of Blackeberg is also a nice literary touch because the streets in this neighbourhood are named after Nordic authors.
To join in with the Book Club, all you have to do is find a copy of Let The Right One In and let us know what you think of the book. Throughout the month, we'll be discussing the book in our Facebook group, so here are a few questions to keep in mind:
-
What different secrets are being kept in the book? Do you think people are keeping them for the right or wrong reasons?
-
How are the themes of home and community explored?
-
How did the story make you feel?
-
How does it compare to the film(s)?
-
What do each of the characters want out of life? What do you think of their aspirations?
If you'd like to share your thoughts on Let The Right One In, ideas on what we should read next or other suggestions for the Book Club, join The Local Sweden's Book Club on Facebook, or send us an email.
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You may well have heard of this novel before; it's been showered with awards, turned into two movies (one Swedish, one English) and often appears on lists of the best Swedish books, making it a perfect Book Club choice.
Be warned, it's very creepy and by no means an easy read (some scenes are disturbing). Lindqvist uses the horror genre as a vehicle for social commentary, exploring plenty of dark issues from alcoholism and bullying to pornography in its in pages.
Set in the autumn of 1981, we meet 12-year-old Oskar, who is badly bullied and dreams of revenge on his classmates. Feeling isolated, he sinks into morbid fantasies which are only heightened after the gruesome murder of a local teenager.
At the same time, he meets a mysterious neighbour who seems highly intelligent but withdrawn and slightly strange.
And as readers, we're introduced to another group of characters who are more directly affected by the events taking place in the neighbourhood and see them very differently to Oskar.
This book takes us away from the central parts of Stockholm that are favoured by tourists and authors alike.
Instead we're transported to the suburb of Blackeberg. Built in the north of the city in the 1950s, it's an example of the Swedish folkhem architecture, simple homes with a focus on a neighbourhood where everyone plays a part (folkhemmet or 'the people's home' is also used to refer to Social Democratic welfare policies in the late 20th century). This emphasises the key themes of isolation, home, and loneliness that weave through the novel.
The choice of Blackeberg is also a nice literary touch because the streets in this neighbourhood are named after Nordic authors.
To join in with the Book Club, all you have to do is find a copy of Let The Right One In and let us know what you think of the book. Throughout the month, we'll be discussing the book in our Facebook group, so here are a few questions to keep in mind:
-
What different secrets are being kept in the book? Do you think people are keeping them for the right or wrong reasons?
-
How are the themes of home and community explored?
-
How did the story make you feel?
-
How does it compare to the film(s)?
- What do each of the characters want out of life? What do you think of their aspirations?
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
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