
A moving and powerful exploration of the Sámi community based on real-life events is the basis for Ann-Helén Laestadius’ novel Stolen, translated from Swedish by Rachel Willson-Broyles. When Elsa witnesses the killing of her reindeer as a young girl it sets a tragic chain of events in motion for many years.
Coming from a long line of Sámi reindeer herders, Elsa’s family and the other reindeer collectives face years of crimes against their reindeer without any investigation or punishment served by the authorities. This all serves to put a spotlight on traditions, culture and society of Scandinavia’s indigenous community and highlights the injustice and the fight for the future with their livelihoods at risk.
Based on real-life events, the heritage, identity and language of the Sámi community combine with the personal experiences faced by each character and have a significant impact in shaping the way they live their lives. Despite the shocking turn of events and the challenges faced, the author depicts such magical scenes when conjuring the landscape.
It’s not surprising that this story is being adapted into a Netflix film: this eye-opening, explorative insight into the Sámi community and a personal journey for the author has had a profound and lingering effect on me as a reader.
Stolen, Ann-Helén Laestadius [trans. Rachel Willson-Broyles] (Bloomsbury Circus)
Price: £17.09/£7.99 Ebook. Info: here
words RHIANON HOLLEY
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