Yrsa Sigurdardottir’s novel Why Did You Lie? was one of my favourite reads of the year, so I was looking forward to reading The Undesired. I wasn’t sure whether to read it in the school holidays, as I always read a lot less over the summer, so can’t always cope with books with complicated plots. But I just couldn’t resist it! Plus, as luck would have it, I ended up going on a flying visit to London, which meant I read nearly the entire book on the train. Result!
The Undesired is quite a dark book and feels quite scary, but I loved it. It is set in both the 1970s and the present day, with two lead characters. In the 1970s, Aldis, a young woman, is working in a detention centre for boys in the Icelandic countryside. Things aren’t right at the centre and she is soon desperate to get away. It is very cold, the owners are nasty and she she is sure someone is prowling around at night and out to get her.
Then two of the boys die.
In the present day, single dad Odinn, is struggling with full-time responsibility for his 11 year old daughter. He is also investigating abuse at the centre where the boys died. Like Aldis, he feels something or someone is following him. The photos of the dead boys seem to stare at him. Is it all down to grief over the death of his ex-wife, worries about his daughter or is something from the past coming to haunt him?
This is a brilliant book, which I couldn’t put down. If you like a thriller, you will love The Undesired.
September 25, 2017
I’ve never read a book set in Iceland, so maybe I should fill that gap because it does sound like my sort of thing.
September 25, 2017
I’m sure you’d enjoy it! I’m not sure I’ve ever read any set in Iceland before, but I’ve certainly read a fair few Scandinavian thrillers.
September 25, 2017
Oooooo this sounds like a book I would love! #readwithme
September 25, 2017
I think you and I have similar taste in books, so I’m sure you would!
September 25, 2017
I have to read this book now I’ve read your tantalising review, Thank you for writing a review without spoilers :o)
#readwithme
September 25, 2017
I never have spoilers in my reviews, even if it does mean the reviews end up being rather short! Hope you enjoy the book.
September 25, 2017
I’ve not read anything from this author before and this sounds rather mysterious, thanks for sharing with #readwithme
September 26, 2017
It’s well worth a read! For me, I think her other novel, Why Did You Lie?, just had the edge, but they’re both very good books!
September 26, 2017
I’ve just added this one to my list! #readwithme
September 26, 2017
I certainly like the sound of this. Another one for the ever-growing list #readwithme