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STOCKHOLM NOIR
by Nathan Larson and Carl-Michael Edenborg, eds.
Akashic Books, March 2016
250 pages
$15.95
ISBN: 1617752975


Buy in the UK | Buy in Canada

In their introduction, Larson & Edenborg state that "In this anthology it's our aim to showcase the darker, grittier, more intense world of Swedish noir fiction." This, coming from a tradition of mystery novels gloomy as a given, promises very dark indeed. Their collection of short stories reflect this perfectly to a noir lover's satisfaction. "In STOCKHOLM NOIR, the city is presented as a gaping maw ready to devour your soul should you wander down the wrong alley… but it doesn't limit itself to the urban."

The thirteen stories written by thirteen of Sweden's top mystery writers are presented in three segments: Crime and Punishment, Fear and Darkness and The Brutality of Beasts. The first is in the crime solving tradition and deals with murder and the motivation of killers. This was my favourite part, mostly because I favour that aspect of mysteries but also because two of the writers are more familiar to western readers: Åke Edwardson and John Theorin, whose stories were, in my opinion, the best of the lot.

The second part crosses into other realities and the level of weirdness increases. Here we meet vampires and torturers and greed, this last one written by Inger Frimansson being the best.

The third and last section is more violent and opens up social issues, like the story by Nathan Larson which touches upon racism as Sweden's socialistic values are confronted with new immigrants who bring about social changes.

As usual in such a collection, the stories vary a lot in quality and depend on the reader's tastes. This one, as all the rest of the Akishic Noir vast collection, centres on the city and involves authors who love it, giving us multifaceted insights into Stockholm. Forget the idyllic touristic picture of the city; you will have the chance to explore the other reality of it, warts and all, through the eyes of talented writers who share their passion and knowledge of their beloved city with the reader.

You will also be introduced to a variety of both normal and strange characters that will challenge you and connect with you in ways you don't expect. Their stories may at times seem alien but they are all well crafted and worth the detour.

If you are already a fan of noir literature, you are sure to enjoy this book. If you usually tend to avoid noir, I enjoin you not to shy away from the noir label and open your mind and heart to a very rewarding, if at times disturbing, reading experience.

§ Nicole Leclerc is a native Montrealer, avid reader, long time reviewer and, until recently, moderator of the 4MA online discussion group.

Reviewed by Nicole Leclerc, April 2016

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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)


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