Aednan
About the book
Author: Linnea Axelsson, translated by Saskia Vogel
Publisher: Knopf
More info:
The StoryGraph | Goodreads
Note: Content and trigger warnings are provided for those who need them at the bottom of this page. If you don’t need them and don’t want to risk spoilers, don’t scroll past the review.
Buy and support indie bookstores (+ I earn a small commission):
Bookshop.org (print) | Libro.fm (audio)
My Review
The moment Ædnan landed in my hands, I was excited to read it. And friends, I was not disappointed.
This translated novel in verse examines the impact of colonization of the Indigenous Samí people in Sweden over 100 years, through the eyes of three members of different generations. It’s absolutely stunning and deeply moving, with a translation that’s both accessible and musical. It’s about grief, the loss of history, the loss of language, the loss of home, and the rebuilding of identity. But it’s also about love and strength. Heartbreak and hope.
As you might expect, this is a great candidate for a simultaneous audiobook/print experience — just don’t take it too fast and don’t be afraid to pause and process!
If this is outside your usual wheelhouse (translated, in verse, set in Sweden) but still piques your interest, please give it a shot. You won’t be disappointed.
Content and Trigger Warnings
Death of one’s child
Grief
Colonization