The Shadow Girls

Name: The Shadow Girls
Brand: Penguin Random House NZ
SKU: 9780099455486
Price: 50.0 NZD
Availability: InStock

By Henning Mankell

0.0 (0 reviews)

3.32

( 2,800 ratings, 388 reviews)

Summary

The Shadow Girls by Henning Mankell is a captivating story about a Swedish poet named Jesper who takes on the challenge of helping three immigrant girls write their life stories. Through their interactions, Jesper learns about their struggles, resilience, and dreams, offering a poignant look at cultural integration and the human spirit.
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Format: Paperback / softback

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The Shadow Girls

$50⁰⁰

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are intrigued by stories that blend suspense with deep human emotions, focusing on the lives of immigrants in Sweden. It's a compelling narrative enriched with cultural insights and poignant societal reflections.

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Tea-Bag, a young Nigerian girl, has fled a refugee camp in Spain for the promise of a new life in Sweden. Harried by his mother and girlfriend, misunderstood by his publisher and tormented by his stockbroker, Jesper needs a new perspective on life.

The inspirational tale of a writer who finds himself caught up in the extraordinary stories of three young immigrant girls in Sweden by the 'Swedish John le Carre', Henning Mankell

Description

In The Shadow Girls by Henning Mankell, readers are immersed in the rich, intertwined tales of three young immigrant girls struggling to find their place in Sweden. Known as the 'Swedish John le Carré,' Mankell offers an inspirational narrative that bridges cultural chasms and delves deep into the human spirit.

Tea-Bag, a spirited Nigerian refugee, escapes the squalor of a Spanish camp to chase her dreams in Sweden. Tania, scarred by the harrowing experiences of life in a brothel, undertakes a perilous journey to seek solace and safety. Leila, accompanied by her resilient family, relocates from Iran to forge a new beginning. Each girl grapples with her own set of unique challenges, navigating the complexities of their new homeland.

Parallel to their stories is Jesper Humlin, a celebrated poet bereft of inspiration. Pressured by his domineering mother, frustrated girlfriend, misunderstood by his publisher, and plagued by an overzealous stockbroker, Jesper desperately needs a fresh outlook on life. A serendipitous meeting with Tea-Bag propels him into the often unseen and unheard shadow world of Sweden's immigrant community. Initially viewing these encounters merely as fodder for his next literary project, Jesper soon realises that the girls have their own plans for their narratives.

The Shadow Girls masterfully balances humour and tragedy, casting a poignant light on the lives of those languishing on the periphery of society. Mankell's insightful prose not only provides an engaging read but also deepens our understanding and empathy for the displaced and the dispossessed. This touching novel stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of stories.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Shadow Girls by Henning Mankell is praised for its blend of social conscience and humour, making it both passionate and entertaining. The book tackles weighty topics such as immigration and refugee life in Sweden, providing a voice to the voiceless. Mankell's clever and unexpected narrative avoids predictability, mixing comedy with moving drama to highlight the struggles and prejudices faced by immigrants.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780099455486

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 September 2013

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage

Contributors:

Translated by Ebba Segerberg

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 234g

Pages: 336

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About the Author

Henning Mankell (1948-2015) became a worldwide phenomenon with his crime writing, gripping thrillers and atmospheric novels set in Africa. His prizewinning and critically acclaimed Inspector Wallander Mysteries continue to dominate bestseller lists all over the globe and his books have been translated into forty-five languages and made into numerous international film and television adaptations- most recently the BAFTA-award-winning BBC television series Wallander, starring Kenneth Branagh. Driven by a desire to change the world and to fight against racism and nationalism, Mankell devoted much of his time to working with charities in Africa, including SOS Children's Villages and PLAN International, where he was also director of the Teatro Avenida in Maputo. In 2008, the University of St Andrews conferred Henning Mankell with an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters in recognition of his major contribution to literature and to the practical exercise of conscience. www.henningmankell.com

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