Six weeks in the south of Sweden
Courtesy of Henning Mankell and his boss detective, Kurt Wallander. I plowed through everything except for The Return of the Dancing Master. I'm saving that for later, as it made me a bit sad to be done with Kurt's world. This book is not a Wallander novel, but it's a crime novel and contains a few of the same characters, at least from Before the Frost.Apart from my fascination with the things of Sweden (which was heartily fed with this series), I found the novels engaging because of the humanity and vulnerability of the characters. Flaws and flubs abound, making them all the more 'human'. I found some of the situations implausible (Wallander was stalked fairly frequently and he really should have upgraded his security in his flat by somewhere around The White Lioness) but then crime novels aren't meant to be relatable, if that's even a word.
I recommend them heartily for those who enjoy a good police procedural. The sweet dips into Swedish culture were a delight for me. Though if I ever do go to Ystad, I'll be keeping my eyes open a bit wider than I do in my own 'hood.
I just wish I didn't have to be done. Oh wait, I'm not. Yet.
I'll put off the Dancing Master for awhile - I know I have a lot to look forward to.
posted by chickie @ 12:41 AM
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