The best way to research a country, I believe, is to read about it. I could read non-fiction fact-packed tomes, but I prefer to stock up on fiction stories. Even made up stories have a lot to tell about the place in which they’re set. It was with this in mind that I read a Condé Nast Traveler article that Ronald Reagan (not the real one) sent me: 22 Ambassadors Recommend the One Book to Read Before Visiting Their Country. On title alone, I knew my To be Read list was about to grow. I think I added about half the books to my list!
I recently started listening to The Snowman by Jo Nesbø, which was recommended as something to read before visiting Norway.
What. The. Heck.
I was suspicious right away that the recommended book about Norway as number 7 in a eleven-part crime series starring Harry Hole. (Actually the character’s name.) But I like crime dramas, so okay.
This is one of the scariest books I have ever read. (It was also the basis of a 2017 movie.) Though not quite finished, I can confidently say you should not read The Snowman as a way to learn about or get excited about a trip to Norway. Unless you’re down with running across some serial murderers. Which you’re probably not. So.
In The Snowman, a series of murders is occurring and present at each crime scene is a snowman. And not just any run of the mill snowman – creepy snowmen. Like a snowman looking into your home. Or wearing your missing wife’s scarf. Or with a victim’s head as the snowman’s face. It’s horrifying!
In the book, police investigator Hole is on the scene and working to solve the case. Generically speaking, it’s like so many crime novels where the lead detective is an antihero but of course will save the day. (Again, I haven’t finished, but this is a safe assumption.)
If you’re looking to explore more about Norway, I found a round-up of books from The Guardian that seems like a safer bet.
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