After the accidental death of his second wife, Trond Sander moves into a remote cabin on the eastern edge of Norway. He stubbornly plans to spend the rest of his life alone, without a telephone, without visitors. But visitors arrive anyway. Early into his self-imposed exile, he recognizes a neighbor who reminds him of an event from his childhood. Remembering how at that moment his perception of the world changed, he begins focusing upon the past, examining the ways in which it has shaped his life. Trond narrates a compelling story of a childhood shaped by an unusual family situation and unavoidable wartime turmoil, and he captures in vivid detail the rural landscape and daily activities that characterize country life. Petterson’s book is a thought-provoking novel that is certain to give book group goers something to talk about and reflective readers a memorable way to spend an afternoon. – Michelle Holden

FICTION Petterso Per