I have read more than a few Nordic Noir books over the years, but this one my first one from Greenland and I found it rather intriguing - it was also an interesting and unusual choice to round off Women in Translation month.

The book is split into the stories of five separate people - Fia; her brother, Inuk; Inuk's best friend, Arnaq; and Sara and her girlfriend Ivik. Through their narratives, we go on a journey that explores their relationships with each other, how this has affected their deepest feelings and what they have learned about themselves.

It takes a while to understand where this story is going, but by the time you get to Arnaq's narrative you realise how clever this book actually is. It is not until you hear the story from the points of view of each of the characters and put all the pieces together that you understand the whole piece - and intriguingly appreciate what a catalyst Arnaq is for the direction of the novel. It's really rather brilliant.

There is no question that this is an unusual and, in part, somewhat sad tale that reveals rather a lot about the negative attitude of the traditional and insular Greenlanders towards those of their own who are gay, lesbian, or gender dysphoric. However, I also found it to be a very touching and intimate portrayal of the relationships between the cast of characters, and I rather enjoyed it.

If you are not afraid to walk a bit on the wild side, then I can recommend this short and unconventional novel as being worth your time. It will certainly make you think, as all good Virago titles do!