My first thought was that the writing style is not that good, but I think it has more to do with translating a special kind of writing from one language to another without the character of what is being said, being lost in translation.
Two of the key thoughts is that it reads like a Terry Pratchett book, Absurd characters in absurd situations with absurd attitudes. I choose that word because it also reminds me of L’étranger by Camus and La Peste by Camus.
There’s something specific about this writing style because it’s about L’Homme Absurde whilst at the same time being surrealist in nature. How often does one get into one situation, and then another, and just go through with detachment. I’m trying not to spoil anything.
I find myself wishing I could read the original version because I suspect that a lot of nuance is lost with translating from Swedish to English. I question whether the same loss is felt when translating from Swedish to French, or whether French catches nuances that English does not.
I am also puzzled by the apparent lack of an English version audiobook so I was reading the Apple Books version, before deciding to read a printed book, for the first time in years.
I think that the writing style is an acquired taste. If you like Camus and Pratchett then it might appeal to you, if you like a light-hearted look at history as well. I believe that a lot of nuance is lost in the Swedish to English translation. That’s why I am curious about the french version, since I can compare the two versions.
I much prefer to read the original rather than a translation/interpretation because some instants obviously lose something in translation. By reading at least some of it in French I might get some sense of whether language plays a role.
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