The Divorce by Moa Herngren

In suburban Stockholm, Niklas and Bea have almost the perfect lifestyle, with two daughters and a circle of friends.  One night, Niklas goes out and texts he’s not coming back.  If that sounds like a murder mystery with fabulous knitwear, it isn’t.  The first half of the book is Bea’s side of the story as she copes with the break up, the middle is Niklas version of events and the third is the final part of the story as the two threads come together at Christmas.  

It’s in the construction of it that makes the novel sing.  Not just that three act structure, but the significance of what seem to be insignificant small things at the time - a childhood friend, a tattoo, an incorrectly booked ferry crossing, a kitchen renovation. 

Added to this, the sense of dislocation from the foreign location and the now, almost historical setting of 2015.   Tribute must also be paid to the translation by Alice Menzies, which lays on the pain and mordant humour expertly.

If it owes more than a worktop to The Doll’s House, no matter.  It’s a twisting, emotionally painful read.  It’s published by Bonnier on 4th July and I thank them for a preview copy.  #thedivorce