After the Fire

Notes

After the Fire by Henning Mankell is the last book he wrote before his death and was published posthumously.

Mankell introduces us to a deeply unpleasant man who is grappling with the loss of his house to an arsonist. He is also grappling with the loss of his youth.

Part crime novel and part biographical fiction. The novel won the Crime Fiction in Translation Dagger in 2018. A fitting end to Mankell’s own life and career.

Publisher’s Synopsis

WINNER OF THE CWA INTERNATIONAL DAGGER 2018
Shortlisted for the Petrona Award 2018 for the Best Scandinavian Crime Novel of the Year

The last novel from international crime bestseller Henning Mankell. A brilliant and moving mystery set in the Swedish archipelago.

Fredrik Welin is a seventy-year-old retired doctor. Years ago he retreated to the Swedish archipelago, where he lives alone on an island. He swims in the sea every day, cutting a hole in the ice if necessary. He lives a quiet life. Until he wakes up one night to find his house on fire.

Fredrik escapes just in time, wearing two left-footed wellies, as neighbouring islanders arrive to help douse the flames. All that remains in the morning is a stinking ruin and evidence of arson. The house that has been in his family for generations and all his worldly belongings are gone. He cannot think who would do such a thing, or why. Without a suspect, the police begin to think he started the fire himself.

Tackling love, loss and loneliness, After the Fire is Henning Mankell’s compelling last novel.

Read a full review of After the Fire by Henning Mankell at Crime Pieces.