Blog Tour: The Island of Lies by O.Huldumann translated by Chris Ould

I have a fascination for mysterious writers, whose works only magnify the interest towards their private life, which is privately guarded from public eyes. Thomas Pynchon is my favorite example, of a writer about whom we hardly know anything - except that he once wrote a newsletter for the aviation industry. 

O.Huldumann is the Nordic and less prolific - based on the current information about his writings - equivalent. 

The above photo is probably the only one we may have of him. His writings do appear once in a while, hidden in remote troves. But it is hard to really explain what inspired him, how his life was like and his writing motivation. 

From the point of the literary history, he may have been the first to whom the exciting label of Nordic Noir applies. A literary pioneer too, it seems.

Recently translated by Chris Ould, The Island of Lies is the latest big book attributed to Huldumann, featuring citizen detective Arne Blöm. The first book published by Huldumann has him as the main character as well, but The Island of Lies can be easily read as a stand alone. Everything I´ve read about this author though only opened up my appetite for getting to know his writing more so most probably will read this first book as well.

Arne Blöm is sent to an island that may look serene and peaceful, but where horrible crimes are happening. It is the common idea of hidden intentions and the versatility of human character that if smartly explored can create the best thrillers. Huldumann is tracing intentions and duplicity, social games and deceit.

The Island of Lies is an exploration of the deep darkness of humans, a sickening take of humanity whose dramatism only diminished by the dark humour of the author. I´ve read the book fascinated about the timeless take and the plot turns.

If you are a lover of Nordic Noir, O. Huldumann is an author to add to the top of the list.

Noteworthy is also the special cover of this edition, a symbolic rendition of the terrible events accounted in the novel.

Rating: 5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own