December 9, 2012
MarkBernstein.org
 

Simon's Family

Simon's Family
Marianne Fredriksson

Simon, adopted in infancy, grows up with distinctly Jewish features in WW2 Gothenburg in this intimate, lyrical tribute to the stoicism of motherhood. In the wake of her wonderful Hanna's Daughters, Fredriksson revisits the evolution of a Swedish family through the generations. At times, the seams show, and you can tell when Fredriksson over-describes an atmospheric detail that an Omen is about to appear, but this remains a charming book.