My Brother
Karin Smirnoff author Anna Paterson translator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Pushkin Press
Published:6th Jan '22
Should be back in stock very soon
This powerful literary noir explores the dangerous allure of the wrong person and the violence between individuals, set against the backdrop of a rural community that remains silent amid dark secrets. My Brother delves into the siblings' quest for truth after a tragic discovery.
My Brother is a gripping literary noir that explores the complex dynamics of human relationships and the darkness that can lurk within a seemingly tranquil rural community. The story centers around Jana Kippo, who returns to her hometown of Smalånger to visit her twin brother, Bror. Their home, a small farmhouse in the remote north of Sweden, is steeped in childhood memories and hidden secrets. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of an isolated community where silence has allowed long-buried truths to fester.
The plot thickens with the discovery of a young woman's body behind a sawmill, prompting Jana and Bror to confront the shadows of their past. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they grapple with the brutality that humans can inflict on one another and the complicity of those around them. The siblings find themselves entangled in a web of lies and secrets, raising the question of whether the truth can be uncovered amidst the stories spun by others.
My Brother has garnered significant acclaim, being described as a powerful tale that resonates with fans of literary fiction. It has been recognized as a major bestseller, shortlisted for the prestigious August Prize, and translated into eleven languages. With its exploration of themes such as attraction, betrayal, and the moral complexities of forgiveness, this novel is a must-read for those who appreciate deep, thought-provoking narratives.
"Chinks of light appear as secrets are revealed… Well worth the read"
--GUARDIAN
"Original and fascinating, the best debut I’ve read from a Swedish writer in years"
--MARTIN HOLMÉN, AUTHOR OF THE STOCKHOLM TRILOGY
"Bleak and beautiful rural noir"
--CRIMEREADS
"From the start, there is an energy in the writing of this novel that only occasionally lets up… unfolding mysteries with miseries"
--IRISH TIMES
"My Brother is perfect for fans of Scandi-noir dramas"
--CULTUREFLY
"An exposition on human frailty and resilience, and on despair and hope… Darkly poetic"
--EUROPEAN LITERATURE NETWORK
"This year’s best novel… Brutal, colourful, carnal… Impossible to put down"
--EXPRESSEN
"Every now and then there are debut novels that appear like crown jewels… My Brother belongs there: clever, detailed and shimmering"
--SVENSKA DAGBLADET
"[Karin Smirnoff] is a rare story-telling talent"
--AFTONBLADET
"[My Brother] possesses the same melodramatic power as Ferrante’s Neapolitan Novels"
--ETC
"Secrets and lies grow thick and tall like tree trunks… [My Brother] has its own logic and its own hard, coarse beauty"
--SMÅLANDPOSTEN
"Karin Smirnoff’s debut novel has become a media sensation… It’s a remarkable novel."
--GP
ISBN: 9781782276708
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
320 pages