The Brothers

A Shakespearean drama from icy Finland. Finland, 1809. Henrik and Erik are brothers who fought on opposite sides in the war between Sweden and Russia. With peace declared, they both return to their snowed-in farm. But who is the master? Sexual tensions, old grudges, family secrets: all come to a head in this dark and gripping saga. "Asko Sahlberg brings regal drama to a farmhouse. ... The comparison with Shakespeare might seem grandiose, but it’s justified." Helsingin Sanomat 'Sahlberg’s short novel is a powerful narrative about truth, age, and the significance of blood-ties.’ Pohjalainen Why Peirene chose to publish this book: "This is a historical novel in miniature form. It deals in dark passions and delivers as many twists as a 500-page epic. And if that were not enough, each character speaks in a distinct voice and expresses a unique take on reality. I’m thrilled to be publishing a book that is as Finnish as a forest in winter - but that resembles a work from the American South: William Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying." Meike Ziervogel, Publisher