Shame [Paperback]

Karin Alvtegen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 3, 2007

This is the story about two women who are trapped by a past that won't let go. As Maj-Britt festers malevolently in her hermetic apartment, appeased only by an endless supply of food, Monika works ceaselessly to blot out her pain, punishing herself unforgivingly if she fails to meet her own high standards. They have nothing in common but the determination to obliterate their memories and be left alone - but when a letter and a tragic accident force the past back to life, the emotional void at the centre of their lives gapes wide and threatens to engulf them both. Forced into a confrontation, each woman proves the catalyst for the other's destruction - or salvation. A taut psychological thriller, "Shame" builds inexorably and subtly into a study of the devastating powers of fear, oppressive religion and forbidden sexuality.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Reminiscent of Ruth Rendall at her best." Herald "Relentless and frightening." Guardian "A compulsive thriller." Metro "Alvtegen keeps up a cracking pace." Uncut"

About the Author

Karin Alvtegen is regarded as one of the most exciting crime writers in Scandinavia. Her second novel Missing, was awarded the premier Scandinavian crime writing award and is being made into a TV series. She lives in Stockholm.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Canongate Books Ltd (May 3, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841959375
• ISBN-13: 978-1841959375
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #999,280 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An author to stick with, September 20, 2010

By 

J. L. White "fiction addict" (Milwaukee, WI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Shame (Paperback)

I've been reading novels by Scandinavian authors for the last year but they have been crime dramas/murder mysteries. I was told by one of amazon's sellers that this book is more of a psychological thriller. It is very much a character study, and excellently written. I plan to purchase/read more of Karin Alvtegen's novels (which are not carried in my local library).

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Lutheran Death Wishes, September 16, 2010

By 

Joel Graber (New York City) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Shame (Paperback)

Excruciating slow-building psychological novel delving deep into the psyche of two female characters apparently overburdened by the strict religious ethos and disciplines of Lutherans in those parts. Beautifully rendered, and literary, without any of the contrivances of the Scandanavian policers so popular now. Yes, three died, but all in the backstory. Heart-rending in parts, as re the death of a small child.

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended, July 26, 2010

By 

hulya-izmir - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shame (Paperback)

I'd read Alvtegen's Missing and Betrayal before and liked her skillful writing. Shame was as good as the others. Those who like crime novels with real characters and psychological motives will no doubt like it.