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To Cook a Bear
To Cook a Bear: A Novel | Mikael Niemi
5 posts | 2 read | 8 to read
A fantastic tale set in the far north of Sweden in 1852, this novel follows a runaway Sami boy and his mentor, the revivalist preacher Laestadius, as they investigate a murder and the mysteries of life.
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andrew61
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#12booksof2021 #November @andrew65
I enjoy finding books that I hadn't heard of before and prove to be a bit unusual. Here I saw a post on a crime reading blog about the petrona award winner + it was worth tracking down in the library. 19th century religious fervour in Sweden may not sound compelling but it was a great historical crime story.

Andrew65 Not heard of this one, intrigued! 2y
charl08 I agree, this one had lots to recommend it. 2y
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charl08
Pickpick

What a brilliant read.
Combines fascinating setting: historical detail of rural Sweden with a crime thriller.

(Another win for my library)

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charl08
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"...Take care of the picture. Keep it for all time." ....
"And the image won't disappear over time?"
"It is said to be permanent."
"Longer than a human lifetime?"
"Yes, perhaps. Wouldn't that be remarkable? One day, when we're both long gone, in an unknown future, people will be able to look at the pastor, see him as if he were alive. Like being preserved in a herbarium, you could say."

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charl08
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By itself, each letter was frail. But when the pastor taught the young Sami boy to place them next to one another, something happened. It was like lighting a fire; one single piece of wood was of little use, but if you added another, it instantly grew hotter. The letters derived life from each other; in the company of others they began to speak.

HeathHof Gorgeous pic! 2y
annamatopoetry Mikael Niemi! 😍 2y
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andrew61
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#lesserknownbook #booked2021 @Cinfhen @BarbaraTheBibliophage @4thhouseontheleft
I saw this had won the Petrona prize + then saw no one had reviewed it here so fits this thread. Set in 1852 Sweden it uses the real preacher Lars levi laestadius in a crime context as he uses forensic techniques to investigate the murders of women in the parish where he preaches. With his Sami apprentice jussi, he runs up against the local sherriff who with local ⬇️

andrew61 Well to do southern swedes resent both the preachers charismatic practices, the movement south of northerners such as jussi, and the real development of a religious fundamental movement disavowing alcohol. 2y
andrew61 This was a really well drawn historical crime story with a unique take on the holmesian maverick investigator but with a fascinating true story behind it which had me looking up about the true story of this man and his impact on a part of the world I knew nothing about. 2y
youneverarrived Sounds interesting 👍 2y
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Cathythoughts Yes , sounds interesting! And I always love your beer & snacks … now I want some 🤣 2y
EvieBee Andrew, thanks a bunch. I just requested a copy from the library because it sounds like it‘s in my wheelhouse. 2y
andrew61 @youneverarrived very Katie, reminded me of burial rites by hannah Kent if you've read that. 2y
andrew61 @Cathythoughts yes I've realised most of my photos seem to involve alcohol and food 🤣 2y
andrew61 @EvieBee hope you enjoy and look forward to your comments. 2y
youneverarrived Oh I loved Burial Rites, one of my favourite books. 2y
andrew61 @youneverarrived be interested to hear your thoughts should you get to it Katie and it has had some positive reviews on good reads. I loved burial rites as well. 2y
Cinfhen Sorry I missed this review!! Book sounds fantastic 2y
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