Synopsis

In the desolate and captivating landscape of a remote Arctic island, young Liv finds solace and enchantment in the company of an old man who spins mesmerizing tales of local folklore: trolls, mermaids, and the seductive, dangerous huldra. Her world, already steeped in a mystical atmosphere, takes a chilling turn when two boys mysteriously drown within weeks of each other in the eerily still, moonlit waters surrounding her home. The community is gripped by suspicion and fear, torn between believing the deaths were tragic accidents or the sinister work of a malevolent spirit, perhaps the very huldra from the old man's legends. As Liv grapples with the inexplicable events, the line between myth and reality blurs, forcing her to confront the dark secrets hidden beneath the island's placid surface and question the true nature of the dangers that lurk both in the waters and in the human heart.

Critical Reception

"John Burnside's 'A Summer of Drowning' has been widely lauded for its haunting atmosphere, intricate psychological depth, and compelling blend of Nordic folklore with a chilling mystery."

Metadata

ISBN:9781448130429
Pages:340
Age Rating:16+

Semantically Similar