Why a Booktrail?
1852: Far far north in Sweden….
To Cook a Bear
Why a Booktrail?
1852: Far far north in Sweden….
What you need to know before your trail
It is 1852, and in Sweden’s far north, deep in the Arctic Circle, charismatic preacher and Revivalist Lars Levi Læstadius impassions a poverty-stricken congregation with visions of salvation. But local leaders have reason to resist a shift to temperance over alcohol.
Jussi, the young Sami boy Læstadius has rescued from destitution and abuse, becomes the preacher’s faithful disciple on long botanical treks to explore the flora and fauna. Læstadius also teaches him to read and write – and to love and fear God.
When a milkmaid goes missing deep in the forest, the locals suspect a predatory bear is at large. A second girl is attacked, and the sheriff is quick to offer a reward for the bear’s capture. Using early forensics and daguerreotype, Læstadius and Jussi find clues that point to a far worse killer on the loose, even as they are unaware of the evil closing in around them.
Travel Guide
Discover Sweden’s Arctic north and cook a bear
Inspired by the true story of of Lars Levi Laestadius, in the novel called the Reverend, a known priest from Northern Sweden that started the Laestadianism movement.
The location is northeastern Sweden, and the story takes place close to the Finnish border with Finland. The people who live round these parts are the Finns and Sami and neither of them speak Swedish. In thes parts, there is a priest with an interest in botany. He seems to be one of the few sober people in this story too.
Booktrailer Review
A very unique and special read this one. A mix of historical noir and Swedish noir with a bit of gore added in. Dark but very compelling.
Read TheBookTrail’s full bookreview of To Cook a Bear
BookTrail Boarding Pass: To Cook a Bear
Destination/location: Sweden Author/guide: Mikael Niemi Departure Time: 1852
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