The Secret of Snow
'Extraordinary' Fredrik Backman
Will be published approx. on 5. November 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
336 pages
978-1-3987-1779-4 (ISBN)
Description
'An extraordinary story' Fredrik Backman, Sunday Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove
Meet Mariddja: eccentric, eighty-five years old, and facing a cancer diagnosis. She's determined to keep the truth about her illness from her dear husband Biera, while also finding someone who can take care of him once she's gone.
Meet Kaj: a new transplant to the village, recently engaged to Mimmi, and mourning the death of his mother. One day, when Kaj unexpectedly finds a box of Sami-the indigenous people of Scandinavia-handicrafts belonging to his mother, he unlocks something he never anticipated, something that will change his life for years to come.
A debut that is at turns tender, funny and devastating, The Secret of Snow introduces a cast of loveable, quirky characters perfect for fans of Fredrik Backman and Jonas Jonasson. Translated by Alice Menzies.
Meet Mariddja: eccentric, eighty-five years old, and facing a cancer diagnosis. She's determined to keep the truth about her illness from her dear husband Biera, while also finding someone who can take care of him once she's gone.
Meet Kaj: a new transplant to the village, recently engaged to Mimmi, and mourning the death of his mother. One day, when Kaj unexpectedly finds a box of Sami-the indigenous people of Scandinavia-handicrafts belonging to his mother, he unlocks something he never anticipated, something that will change his life for years to come.
A debut that is at turns tender, funny and devastating, The Secret of Snow introduces a cast of loveable, quirky characters perfect for fans of Fredrik Backman and Jonas Jonasson. Translated by Alice Menzies.
Reviews / Votes
'An extraordinary story'-Fredrik Backman, Sunday Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove
'I have been reading, laughing, and crying. This is a debut novel, but that word almost sounds cliche. The author is part of the story, the dialect, and the Sami memories. . . I am so glad that this story has been written.'
-Dast Magazine
'Tina Harnesk plays with language and lets the details speak. . . Instantly charming, melancholic, and poetic. . . bringing forth images of life rooted in the Sami spiritual nature. It is often wild and hilarious. . . but the absurd is interlaced with realistic portrayals of defiant bodies, minds, and hearts. A brilliant debut.'
-Aftonbladet Soendag
'How is it possible that this is a debut novel? The book is believable and intricate with a rather large and colourful cast of characters. . . An earnest, unique, warm, and personal story that captivates, enthralls, and leaves a deep impression.'
-P4 Vaesternorrland
'Tina Harnesk makes her debut with a multifaceted novel from northern Sweden, with distinct roots in oral storytelling. . . She sprinkles her text with comedic similes and effective punchlines, but underneath the burlesque surface lies a throbbing pain. The Secret of Snow is a beautiful novel about two generations who are steeped in the northern Sami experience.'
-Vi Laeser
'Tina Harnesk lives on a mountain outside of Arvidsjaur and has joined the authors who are writing about Sami life and culture. And how she does it! Her novel is burlesque and daring, populated by colorful, unforgettable characters. But underneath the cheerful exterior rests a grief over the traditional reindeer herding life that was lost.'
-Ingalill Mosander, Aftonbladet
'This is a magnificent story and reading experience. Told with love and a language so vividly beautiful it almost makes the eyes of an old journalist and editor tear up. The phrasing is elegant and accurate, the language so colorful that you - even without any Sami connection - are unfazed by the Sami words and expressions and can truly see these people and places in your mind's eye while reading.'
-Norrbottens-Kuriren
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Orion Publishing Co
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 129 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-3987-1779-4 (9781398717794)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Tina Harnesk is a writer of Sami descent born in northern Sweden. She works as a library assistant and lives on a mountain outside Arvidsjaur, Sweden, with her husband and children. The Secret of Snow is her debut novel.
Alice Menzies holds an MA in translation theory and practice from University College London, specializing in the Scandinavian languages. She has translated, among other works, And Every Day the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer by Fredrik Backman. She lives in London.
Alice Menzies holds an MA in translation theory and practice from University College London, specializing in the Scandinavian languages. She has translated, among other works, And Every Day the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer by Fredrik Backman. She lives in London.