Colony

Reviews / Votes

'What makes this book so clever is that you unwittingly follow Emelie's trajectory of thought about the Colony: suspicious at first, then slowly seduced, before realising that things are not as perfect as they seem. The novel is testament to the power of writerly discipline.' -- Laura Hackett * The Times * 'A disturbing, engrossing portrait of a tiny community living beyond society ... Norlin is in full command of her characters' histories and marshals a tremendous level of detail ... My admiration of Colony is equally an appreciation for Alice E. Olsson, whose work to bring the story into English is so precise and vibrant that I often forgot I was reading a translation.' -- Joumana Khatib * New York Times Book Review * 'Mesmerising, lush, and unsettling ... Colony is extraordinary.' -- Diane Cook, author of <i>The New Wilderness</i> 'Looks at the possibilities and pitfalls of communal living in a world dominated by societal pressure and environmental challenges ... an impressive study of community, secrets and trust.' -- Catherine Taylor * The Irish Times * 'Swedish writer Norlin's remarkable debut revolves around a commune in the Swedish countryside ... Norlin's character work is superior, bringing each Colony member to vivid life and examining in nuanced detail how they interact. It's an impressive tale of a found family.' * Publishers Weekly * 'In this elegant, darkly funny, and deeply touching story about group dynamics and our need for belonging, the author once again shows she's a receptive and warm depicter of human life. This is a novel to take to your heart and warm yourself upon.' -- Svenska Dagbladet 'A brilliant debut.' * DN * 'Swedish author Annika Norlin has written an incisive, character-driven dissection of society and human nature ... Colony is smart and often droll. It features strong characters and world-building, all portrayed with compassion for the nuances of human resilience and frailty.' -- Cameron Woodhead * The Age & The Sydney Morning Herald *