Possibly the best book I have read this year, at least in the realm of fiction. As the year draws to a close, I highly doubt it will be surpassed. But one can always hope for more great reads in the future.
Although this book is from the pen of the man who wrote Watership Down, it is in itself a very different work. It is a book specifically for adults, delving into dark secrets, passion, and an awakening regarding the unlocking of life for the narrator. The story is filled with complex emotions and hidden depths that keep the reader engaged from start to finish.
To say too much about the plot would be to give away too many spoilers. I guess, all told, the story could be considered somewhat sparse in detail. However, it is the beauty of the writing and the slow, darkening atmosphere that truly make this book what it is. The author has a remarkable ability to create a sense of mystery and anticipation that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
Basically, it is a love story, but one with dark elements that might bring to mind a classic like Wuthering Heights. The relationship between the characters is filled with turmoil, passion, and unspoken desires. It is a story that explores the depths of human emotion and the consequences of our actions.
My edition contains the name Karin for the main character, a name that I believe was changed in later editions due to a legal challenge. However, I doubt if it matters which edition is read. The name change shouldn't have any significant impact on the overall experience of this brooding and yet strangely joyous book. It is a work that will stay with you long after you have turned the final page.