As a fan of Alex Banwell’s Just Benny series, I was intrigued to read this novella exploring the background of Ola, Benny’s often dour dad. And certainly the story enriches the character, although it can be very much read as a standalone.

Set in the 1970s, Ola has left his homeland of Denmark, hoping to also leave behind childhood memories of his drunken, abusive father. He wants to live quietly, with no ties, no responsibilities. He quietly suffers the slurs of those, including his boss, wh...