“He who fears the snow” – VG
HS Palladino (53) is a Norwegian crime debutant with a grasp of the means. But the story does not grip as strongly.
“The one who fears the snow” has already been sold to Denmark and Jørn Lier Horst’s publisher in Germany, and it is very recognizable in this crime novel – which the publisher would like to sell as a “psychological thriller”.
Bjørk Isdahl is a young therapist and behavioral analyst who struggles with heavy guilt after a police case she was involved in resulted in an innocent suspect taking his own life.
When drug addict Azora, a former client, wants to meet her, it ends with a deadly fall from the roof. But Azora leaves behind saying a message: “I know why you have nightmares.”
And the dreams Bjørk is regularly haunted by, are largely about being suffocated by snow.
Thus, the stage is set for a journey back in the lives of both Azora and Bjørk.
In line with the conventions for psychological thrillers, the answer to what is happening must be found in trauma and repressed memories. At the same time, the biggest threat is much closer than you think.
As if Bjørk did not have enough to contend with, she also experienced being suspected of complicity in Azora’s death. And on top of that, she’s pregnant with her ex. Or as she manages to think: “A miracle is growing inside me, I am the only one who can protect it.”
The language in this book is by no means entirely free of clichés, and most of the character drawings are at once ambiguous and superficial.
HS Palladino (her full name is Hilde Sæterøy Palladino) otherwise writes efficiently and well, and at a good pace.
The narrator’s voice is in the first person singular, so we are talking about an I-narrative. The action takes place largely in a slightly defined Oslo east area, where most things are worn and sad, dark and cold. Bjørk experiences several times being chased in scary harvest streets, but to be so alert, she remarkably often forgets to lock the door and close the window!
In addition to the book user’s authors, gradually more well-known effects from the thriller genre. Here, both old letters and pictures that reveal family secrets, drawings that trigger memories, a dark pond and a scary old house appear.
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Several times, however, I think that “The One Who Fears the Snow” touches the boundaries of the loop writing novel. Properly exciting it becomes rare.
It is otherwise worth noting that a journalist veteran in VG helps Bjørk get started finding the truth about her and Azora. It is striking how well such old VG people remember!
Despite the objections, there is no doubt that this is a well-crafted debut book.
There are few unnecessary rests, and many scene changes to keep the attention. The revelations that come at the end about Azora’s fate and Bjørk’s own background will surely surprise even the most alert reader.
“The one who fears the snow” will probably find the audience, but it lacks the icy tension claw that grabs you from the very first page.
Reviewed by: Sindre Hovdenakk
