Berlin Poplars

Description

A hilarious and heartwarming family saga set in the depths of a Scandinavian winter, Berlin Poplars was published to huge acclaim in Ragde's native Norway, where it won the Riksm l Prize. On a remote farm in northern Norway, eighty-year-old Anna Neshov is rushed to hospital after suffering a stroke. Her three sons have not spoken in some time. Margido, a devout Christian, works in Trondheim as a funeral director. Erlend, a successful window dresser, lives a life of luxury in a penthouse in Copenhagen, while Tor, the eldest brother, remains rearing pigs on the decaying family farm. Aware of her failing health, the trio reluctantly reunite over the winter holidays, where unexpected guests and the question of inheritance prompt the revealing of some bizarre, and devestating, truths. Winner of the Riksm l Prize in Norway.

Anne B Ragde made her debut in 1986 with a children's book and her first novel was published in 1990. She has since written over thirty books. Berlin Poplars was awarded the Riksm l Prize in 2004.

A story of murky family secrets set against Norway's midwinter near-perpetual night, Berlin Poplars still manages to twinkle -- Melissa McClements * Financial Times * Ragde's writing is self-effacing and subtly crafted, an ideal tool for splintering the brothers' stout outer panelling of Norwegian wood to expose the steamy sauna of turmoil within * Independent * It's darkly funny, grabs you at the start and doesn't let go... if you want a treat, race to get this book, because it's truly heartwarming, and so, so funny * Dublin Herald * Compelling, and the final truth telling is shocking * Times Literary Supplement *