Colony

Colony, a mega bestseller in Sweden and the winner of its two biggest literary awards, is a gripping portrayal of contemporary society and its alternatives.

Burnt-out from a demanding job and a bustling life in the city, Emelie has left town to spend a few days in the country. Once there, in the peaceful, verdant hills and down by the river, she encounters a mysterious group of seven people. Each person has personal stories full of pain, alienation, and the longing to live differently. They are misfits, each in their own way, all led by the enigmatic and charismatic Sara.

How did they end up there? Are they content with the rigid roles they've been assigned? And what happens when an outsider appears, initially drawn to their alternative lifestyle but cannot help stirring things up?

A masterful blend of humour, emotion, unforgettable characters, and sharp social commentary, Colony is a magnetic and deeply touching story about love, community, and the unfathomable power we have over others and that others have over us.

Swedish author Annika Norlin has written an incisive, character-driven dissection of society and human nature ... Colony is smart and often droll. It features strong characters and world-building, all portrayed with compassion for the nuances of human resilience and frailty.
—Cameron Woodhead, The Age & The Sydney Morning Herald

What makes this book so clever is that you unwittingly follow Emelie's trajectory of thought about the Colony—suspicious at first, then slowly seduced, before realising that things are not as perfect as they seem. The novel is testament to the power of writerly discipline.
—Laura Hackett, The Times

Looks at the possibilities and pitfalls of communal living in a world dominated by societal pressure and environmental challenges ... an impressive study of community, secrets, and trust.
—Catherine Taylor, The Irish Times