The Rabbit Hunter by Lars KeplerMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
I will first admit to never having read any of the other works by this husband and wife team who write under the pen name Lars Kepler. That may have worked against me here, as the novel contained references to past events that might have added another layer to the story. Overall, however, I just wasn’t impressed—though I think I know why.
The story here is woven in various fits and starts that eventually come together. Though the story actually begins to unwind around the 75% mark, it weaves and bobs and carries the reader on a wild ride that could have been enjoyable. I say “could have”, as the writing itself is just a hot mess. My theory is that the author who handled the translation from Swedish to English just wasn’t completely up to the task. The sentence structures are choppy, transitions are awkward (at times even nonexistent), and the nuances of the Swedish language are simply lost.
I wish I had been able to read this in its original form, as I would be willing to bet that it is a true page turner. As I don’t read or speak the language, however, I will have to settle for this novel being a brilliant story, told in a mediocre way through a muddled translation that simply missed the mark. If you are Swedish fluent, definitely give this one a go. Otherwise, steer clear and spend the time either learning the language or finding another read.
View all my reviews
