First published 2019
Jana and her twin brother inherit their mother's childhood home in Kukkojärvi, a remote village in northern Norrbotten. Their mother wanted burial in this place, but the twins quickly discover life here follows strict religious rules with countless prohibitions. Those who refuse to conform, like carpenter Jussi and Magdalena, find themselves cast out. Jana's brother feels drawn to the village community, the large families, and the unquestioned authority men hold. Jana resists this world while struggling to end her destructive relationship with John. When she befriends her cousin Marta, who shares her age, Marta's husband the pastor views their friendship with suspicion and disapproval. Jana must navigate between honoring her mother's wishes and preserving her own independence in a place that demands total submission.
Genres: literary-fiction, contemporary, family-drama
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Kukkojärvi, Norrbotten
Period: contemporary
350 pages · Hardcover · Bokförlaget Polaris