Reviews

Das Leuchten der Rentiere by Ann-Helén Laestadius

evas_library's review against another edition

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dark emotional informative mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I read this book on a recommendation by a bookseller based on my wish for a "wintery read for my holiday in Lapland, it's okay if it's a bit more bleak" - and boy, did the book deliver! I have rarely read a book that was such a precise fit for the circumstances under which it was read, or for what I wanted from it (definitely a testament to great booksellers in general).
Not only was the story gripping and the characters complex and interesting, but I also learned so much about Sámi life, history, and culture. At the same time, this knowledge didn't come across as a lecture but was shown through the daily life of the characters, their conversations, and reflections. It was also incredibly nuanced in its discussion of contemporary problems, which I appreciated. It was particularly fun for me that I could immediately apply and expand this knowledge in real life.
Another thing I appreciated was how the setting of the seasons related to the progression of the story, making it a very wintery read but not getting stuck there and serving as a metaphor.
What I didn't like so much was a lot of the conflicts in the book could have been solved if people just SPOKE to each other, even a tiny little bit - I know this is kind of the point and serves as social commentary itself, but to me, it makes for an extremely frustrating read. 
Overall, a great read and a clear recommendation.

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julieisol1's review against another edition

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5.0

«Å være same var å bære historien sin med seg, å stå foran den tunge ryggsekken som barn og velge å bære den eller ikke. Men hvordan skulle man våge å velge noe annet enn å bære sin slekts historie og føre arven videre?»

staci426's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense

4.25


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patkay85's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

mj_j's review against another edition

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5.0

4.5 rounded up. I loved Elsa's story and learning about her culture.

chattynattyreads's review against another edition

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4.0

Part thriller part coming of age novel.

Elsa, at 9 years of age, experiences a significant traumatic event that follows her through the rest of the story. Elsa’s family’s profession- reindeer herding/raising- was integral to this story. A profession I knew nothing about.

The story has been translated from Swedish and the Sami culture is represented throughout the book. A culture I knew nothing about and so the story was an education too.

samkv's review against another edition

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3.0

While the setting and situation is interesting and something I've never read about, the characters and plot did not engage me. I did like that the hero and villain were both flawed, but the villain came across as a cliche bad guy instead of someone with deep rooted anger due to perceived unfairness.

cassandralh's review against another edition

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emotional informative mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

agillen93's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

tarah_m's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5*