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Svik
Úrsúla er nýlega flutt til Íslands eftir áralöng störf á hættusvæðum heimsins. Rólegt hversdagslífið í Reykjavík hentar henni engan veginn, svo að hún grípur fegins hendi óvænt boð um að taka sæti í ríkisstjórn landsins: þar getur hún aftur látið til sín taka!
En stjórnmálin eru refskák og fjölmiðlar vaka yfir hverju fótmáli nýja ráðherrans. Við bætist að gamall útigangsmaður eltir hana á röndum og virðist vilja vara hana við yfirvofandi hættu. Getur verið að hann búi yfir vitneskju sem ógnar einhverjum í innsta hring? Svik er hröð og hörkuspennandi saga um völd og valdaleysi, ofbeldi og þöggun; um að bregðast trausti og svíkja gefin loforð.
En stjórnmálin eru refskák og fjölmiðlar vaka yfir hverju fótmáli nýja ráðherrans. Við bætist að gamall útigangsmaður eltir hana á röndum og virðist vilja vara hana við yfirvofandi hættu. Getur verið að hann búi yfir vitneskju sem ógnar einhverjum í innsta hring? Svik er hröð og hörkuspennandi saga um völd og valdaleysi, ofbeldi og þöggun; um að bregðast trausti og svíkja gefin loforð.
390 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2018
365 people are currently reading
686 people want to read
About the author
Lilja Sigurðardóttir
19 books432 followersLilja´s newest book, Netið ((Tangle) was published by Forlagid publishing in October 2016 and is the second book in the Reykjavík Noir Trilogy.
Lilja started her writing career in 2008 when she sent a manuscript of a novel to a competition run by the publishing house Bjartur whose aim was to find the Icelandic Dan Brown. Lilja got a publishing deal out of the competition and in 2009 her first book, the crime novel Spor (Steps), came out, which she wrote in her spare time. Her second book, Fyrirgefning (Foregiveness) was published a year later but after that Lilja wrote mostly for theatre for the coming years. She won the Icelandic Theatre Awards for Best Play of the Year in 2014 for her staged debut Stóru börnin (Big Babies). But in 2015 she started a new crime series with Icelands biggest publisher Forlagid. The series has been called The Reykjavík Noir Trilogy, and the first book in series, Gildran (Snare) became an instant success.
Lilja started her writing career in 2008 when she sent a manuscript of a novel to a competition run by the publishing house Bjartur whose aim was to find the Icelandic Dan Brown. Lilja got a publishing deal out of the competition and in 2009 her first book, the crime novel Spor (Steps), came out, which she wrote in her spare time. Her second book, Fyrirgefning (Foregiveness) was published a year later but after that Lilja wrote mostly for theatre for the coming years. She won the Icelandic Theatre Awards for Best Play of the Year in 2014 for her staged debut Stóru börnin (Big Babies). But in 2015 she started a new crime series with Icelands biggest publisher Forlagid. The series has been called The Reykjavík Noir Trilogy, and the first book in series, Gildran (Snare) became an instant success.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
October 22, 2022
A crime thriller taking place in Island, „The Betrayal“ portrays a female protagonist, Úrsúla Aradóttir, who worked predominantly in crisis-hit-regions such as Liberia or Syria and is now offered the temporary position of Ministry of the Interior.
Solving a complex rape case, Úrsúla is overly challenged by her family whom she struggles to build an emotional relationship with. Moreover, Úrsúla is mysteriously followed by her homeless, alcoholic father throughout the story that feels a bit out context.
Whilst I looked forward to gaining an insight into the new terrain of Island and politics, I was annoyed by Úrsúla‘s unprofessionalism at work and cold-heart towards her family.
The writing style of Lilja Sigurðardóttir is fluent, easy-to-consume, however, a tad repetitive. By blending in socially deprived characters like Stella, who is of mixed origin and lesbian, I felt that some boxes of quota-filling were ticked off. 🤷🏻♀️
Ergo, I wasn’t fully convinced by the characters, but the plot was interesting.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC for an exchange of my honest review.
Solving a complex rape case, Úrsúla is overly challenged by her family whom she struggles to build an emotional relationship with. Moreover, Úrsúla is mysteriously followed by her homeless, alcoholic father throughout the story that feels a bit out context.
Whilst I looked forward to gaining an insight into the new terrain of Island and politics, I was annoyed by Úrsúla‘s unprofessionalism at work and cold-heart towards her family.
The writing style of Lilja Sigurðardóttir is fluent, easy-to-consume, however, a tad repetitive. By blending in socially deprived characters like Stella, who is of mixed origin and lesbian, I felt that some boxes of quota-filling were ticked off. 🤷🏻♀️
Ergo, I wasn’t fully convinced by the characters, but the plot was interesting.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC for an exchange of my honest review.
July 6, 2020
Visit the locations in the novel
Lilja creates some very interesting views of Iceland. I was trapped at the airport about to be busted for drugs in one of her previous books and here I am, about to be a minister of the government in Iceland. A cushy job you might think, but no…
Enter the world of Icelandic politics. Now, I don’t know how much of this is based on or inspired by real life, but I can imagine most of the power play and the men v women challenges in the work place are very real indeed. Ursula is thrust into centre stage when there’s a chance for her to work as sa top minister for a year. She vows to make changes, get things done…get justice for a girl allegedly raped by a cop…but there are people who don’t like change one little bit. They also don’t like Ursula very much.
We follow Ursula in her new role as she battles not just every day but every second sexism. There’s more hurdles in her new role than at Crufts although the dog eat dog world is very much the same. If you wanted to work in politics, you won’t after this.
If that wasn’t enough, the poor thing is being stalked by a homeless man and being watched by several people closest to her. She can’t even trust the cleaner…or can she? There are links between people you will not even guess and the unravelling of this was the best part. Ursula vows to solve the case of the young girl who said she was attacked but that in itself is not going to get her brownie points.
What a tangled web of intrigue this was! Short snappy chapters flicked from one story thread to another which was very easy to follow and essential for the type of story being told. I felt involved, saddened, angry and even shouted at Ursula once or twice. I needed a strong coffee at the end.
Gripping read and I now need a certain type of hotdog that is mentioned in the book. The only thing that wasn’t corrupted in the whole novel.
Lilja has a whiplash writing style, merges her culture and country with a plot with ease. Hang on tight!
October 12, 2020
Betrayal is a stand-alone novel set in the Icelandic political arena and takes place in the first two weeks after former overseas relief aid worker, Úrsúla Aradóttir, is appointed to the high-profile role of Minister for the Interior in Reykjavík, Iceland. Having spent her career to date working in the charity sector Úrsúla has returned home for the sake of her husband and two children and is the unexpected choice from outside either of the two competing parties for the position. Despite her tenure only lasting a year Úrsúla is determined to make the business of government more efficient and also improve the lot of asylum seekers working alongside permanent secretary, Óðinn Jónsson. However Úrsúla’s start is a real baptism of fire and her very first meeting is with the desperate mother of a fifteen-year-old girl who has accused a police officer of rape and goes on to beseech her to chase up the case after months languishing in the system. Promising to help the woman and make it her business to ensure the case sees the light of day Úrsúla quickly becomes frustrated after numerous requests to her colleagues go answered and uses her journalist contact, Thorbjörn, to resurrect the case via the media.
After declining the ministerial car and determining to be as independent and as low-maintenance as she can be Úrsúla finds herself being stalked by an elderly and homeless man leaving her cryptic notes about the devil. Meanwhile the resurfacing of the rape allegation in the media coincides with the start of a series of sickening sexual emails threatening to violate Úrsúla and makes the appointment of bodyguard and driver, Gunnar, a necessity. As well as interacting with Gunnar, frequent smoke breaks sees Úrsúla cross paths with nineteen-year-old ministry cleaner Stella, a wannabe witch and a skint lesbian with a newsreader friend. As the reader is shown glimpses into both Gunnar and Stella’s own private lives we are also privy to the perspectives of homeless drunk Pétur, and the despairing wife and son of the accused policeman. On seeing and recognising Pétur’s name it brings to the surface Úrsúla‘s memories of her father’s death in police custody and with the prime minster pressurising her to can a proposed road development she soon realises she is a being made a scapegoat in a world of dirty politics and corruption and the media are turning against her.
The novel plays out from multiple perspectives that all centre around Úrsúla’s appointment and whilst I was sceptical that she had the requisite credentials for such a prestigious job I liked her characterisation. Sexism and misogyny are rife and dogged Úrsúla rises above it and makes a very ballsy impression with a no-nonsense attitude and a sincere desire to make a difference. Having worked in war zones and seen the harrowing effects of Ebola at close quarters she suffers from PTSD and emotional numbness towards her own family that she struggles to overcome and hence her marriage isn’t in a great place. The plotting is impressive and as each of the threads progresses the individual stories of the characters go from feeling tangential to being intrinsic to Úrsúla‘s rocky ride, yet disappointingly the entire tale felt all too predictable. The antagonist masterminding Úrsúla‘s downfall stands out like a sore thumb, not hard when despite being introduced to a decent cast of secondary characters the number of viable suspects is notably very limited. Whilst the chapters are short and move between storylines keeping the momentum high the story was sadly lacking in intrigue, largely because things are just too obvious right from the start. The translation is excellent however and makes for a very fluent read.
After declining the ministerial car and determining to be as independent and as low-maintenance as she can be Úrsúla finds herself being stalked by an elderly and homeless man leaving her cryptic notes about the devil. Meanwhile the resurfacing of the rape allegation in the media coincides with the start of a series of sickening sexual emails threatening to violate Úrsúla and makes the appointment of bodyguard and driver, Gunnar, a necessity. As well as interacting with Gunnar, frequent smoke breaks sees Úrsúla cross paths with nineteen-year-old ministry cleaner Stella, a wannabe witch and a skint lesbian with a newsreader friend. As the reader is shown glimpses into both Gunnar and Stella’s own private lives we are also privy to the perspectives of homeless drunk Pétur, and the despairing wife and son of the accused policeman. On seeing and recognising Pétur’s name it brings to the surface Úrsúla‘s memories of her father’s death in police custody and with the prime minster pressurising her to can a proposed road development she soon realises she is a being made a scapegoat in a world of dirty politics and corruption and the media are turning against her.
The novel plays out from multiple perspectives that all centre around Úrsúla’s appointment and whilst I was sceptical that she had the requisite credentials for such a prestigious job I liked her characterisation. Sexism and misogyny are rife and dogged Úrsúla rises above it and makes a very ballsy impression with a no-nonsense attitude and a sincere desire to make a difference. Having worked in war zones and seen the harrowing effects of Ebola at close quarters she suffers from PTSD and emotional numbness towards her own family that she struggles to overcome and hence her marriage isn’t in a great place. The plotting is impressive and as each of the threads progresses the individual stories of the characters go from feeling tangential to being intrinsic to Úrsúla‘s rocky ride, yet disappointingly the entire tale felt all too predictable. The antagonist masterminding Úrsúla‘s downfall stands out like a sore thumb, not hard when despite being introduced to a decent cast of secondary characters the number of viable suspects is notably very limited. Whilst the chapters are short and move between storylines keeping the momentum high the story was sadly lacking in intrigue, largely because things are just too obvious right from the start. The translation is excellent however and makes for a very fluent read.
October 12, 2020
Wow my first foray into Icelandic noir, I couldn't have asked for a better story. The author kept me curious to know what would happen next and that made me tap the pages of my kindle in feverish enthusiasm.
Ursula, returned to Iceland, tired and jaded, and accepted a high profile government job. She encountered a mother fighting for justice for her daughter, who had been raped by the cop. That brought Ursula right into the eye of political storm where she had to weather the winds of misogyny and darkness. Secrets were buried deep, and it took all her determination to dig through them.
The author's writing brought out the realism in the topic. I kept supporting Ursula in her lone battle. The author added stalking by an unknown man along with Ursula's personal past into the prose which made the plotline convoluted.
I read the book to escape the realities of life and found myself completely enthralled by it. What was supposed to be just a single chapter or two as a tester soon became the entire book. At one go.
A captivating read, I must say
Ursula, returned to Iceland, tired and jaded, and accepted a high profile government job. She encountered a mother fighting for justice for her daughter, who had been raped by the cop. That brought Ursula right into the eye of political storm where she had to weather the winds of misogyny and darkness. Secrets were buried deep, and it took all her determination to dig through them.
The author's writing brought out the realism in the topic. I kept supporting Ursula in her lone battle. The author added stalking by an unknown man along with Ursula's personal past into the prose which made the plotline convoluted.
I read the book to escape the realities of life and found myself completely enthralled by it. What was supposed to be just a single chapter or two as a tester soon became the entire book. At one go.
A captivating read, I must say
November 11, 2021
I don’t know if I’m too hard or too easy in rating these mystery-thriller stories. They are simple and not artsy lit, so at first I give them two or three stars for being simple and straightforward entertainment, but then I start thinking that the ones I usually read are much better than sort of meh mysteries my mom used to read. I think about the relative complexity of the plots and storytelling, and the excellent character development and underlying good psychology as well as relevant contemporary themes woven into the plot. Moreover, I have to admit being completely absorbed in finding out what happens next. I’m quite sure I shouldn’t give low marks to good writing just because it isn’t Faulkner—or some other literary icon.
That being said I really liked this story of a depressed international aid worker with PTSD who takes a job as a minister in the Icelandic government, hoping to relearn normalcy with her family and to do some good for her own country. Ursula has underlying family issues with an alcoholic mentally unstable father who was presumed to have been murdered by his homeless friend. Her perfect husband and children seem beyond her ability to connect emotionally. Add a driver/ security officer who really wants to succeed and prove to himself that he is not like his abusive father. Next is a young cleaner in the Ministry named Stella, with a load of personal problems made worse by subsistence wages, her mom in permanent nursing care because of head injuries from spousal abuse, and the daughter’s problems with substance abuse and loneliness. Stella and her mom are Mexican immigrants to Iceland, and Stella relies on magic (and some mood-enhancing drugs!) to help her through life’s difficulties. The deranged alcoholic homeless man who was the Minister’s father’s presumed killer keeps trying to warn Ursula about a dangerous Devil, but his behavior seems more threatening to her than helpful. On her first day as Minister, Ursula promised a mother to find justice for her daughter who was raped by a policeman, but the case sort of disappears and the media howls for the Minister’s resignation. She is hounded by threatening emails, unfavorable press, leaked information, and personal threats.
In short, “Betrayed” is a pretty good potboiler tale of interactions between damaged people trying to heal and a plot that connects them all in buried sins and conspiracies. The storytelling was deftly handled by the author, skillfully weaving each plot thread into a gripping and satisfying thriller. I enjoy books that take me to new places. Icelandic authors have been pretty compelling for me. This one included bits about tourist expectations and actual facts—not all Northern Lights and pretty snow! I enjoyed the bits about mythic runes and grandmother witch’s birthday visits. Overall, I’m giving high marks to this short and satisfying novel. Probably it should get full marks for the genre, but—after all—it won’t make it into a lit course—so one point off for being fun to read?! I confuse myself.
That being said I really liked this story of a depressed international aid worker with PTSD who takes a job as a minister in the Icelandic government, hoping to relearn normalcy with her family and to do some good for her own country. Ursula has underlying family issues with an alcoholic mentally unstable father who was presumed to have been murdered by his homeless friend. Her perfect husband and children seem beyond her ability to connect emotionally. Add a driver/ security officer who really wants to succeed and prove to himself that he is not like his abusive father. Next is a young cleaner in the Ministry named Stella, with a load of personal problems made worse by subsistence wages, her mom in permanent nursing care because of head injuries from spousal abuse, and the daughter’s problems with substance abuse and loneliness. Stella and her mom are Mexican immigrants to Iceland, and Stella relies on magic (and some mood-enhancing drugs!) to help her through life’s difficulties. The deranged alcoholic homeless man who was the Minister’s father’s presumed killer keeps trying to warn Ursula about a dangerous Devil, but his behavior seems more threatening to her than helpful. On her first day as Minister, Ursula promised a mother to find justice for her daughter who was raped by a policeman, but the case sort of disappears and the media howls for the Minister’s resignation. She is hounded by threatening emails, unfavorable press, leaked information, and personal threats.
In short, “Betrayed” is a pretty good potboiler tale of interactions between damaged people trying to heal and a plot that connects them all in buried sins and conspiracies. The storytelling was deftly handled by the author, skillfully weaving each plot thread into a gripping and satisfying thriller. I enjoy books that take me to new places. Icelandic authors have been pretty compelling for me. This one included bits about tourist expectations and actual facts—not all Northern Lights and pretty snow! I enjoyed the bits about mythic runes and grandmother witch’s birthday visits. Overall, I’m giving high marks to this short and satisfying novel. Probably it should get full marks for the genre, but—after all—it won’t make it into a lit course—so one point off for being fun to read?! I confuse myself.
August 17, 2021
“She knew perfectly well how insecurity could affect people. If you didn’t feel safe, mindfulness was just some kind of fad for westerners who had no need to fear what tomorrow might bring. It was the opposite of human dignity to be able to aim for nothing more than surviving from one day to the next” p37.
Lilja Sigurðardóttir’s stand-alone novel Betrayal is a quite a tantalising morsel of Icelandic Noir that delves into the world of political intrigue, corruption and cover up while also highlighting the gender bias that continues to plague politics full stop. With short, sharp chapters, Sigurðardóttir deftly fuses multiple seemingly disparate story layers together to bring about a satisfying and realistic joined up tale. Betrayal is certainly the theme of the book and it seems that there are few characters who are exempt from either betraying or being betrayed.
Úrsula, former aid worker, traumatised by her experiences providing care to Ebola patients in Liberia and coordinating safe passage for Syrian refugees fleeing their war torn country, returns to her family in Iceland only to take up a political post as Minister of the Interior. Thrust into a political den of vipers, unearthing crimes of the past and being used as a scapegoat, Úrsula finds herself ricocheting from bad to worse, unable to make it through any day unscathed. Scarred from her experiences, battling political enemies and dealing with her father’s murder and descent into alcoholism and wilful homelessness, she struggles minute by minute to stay afloat.
Sigurðardóttir is quite masterful in the way she weaves multiple stories together. All of the seemingly separate stories are inextricably linked both intentionally and by coincidence which only becomes clear as the story unfolds. This was quite a riveting read and is the first Icelandic crime by this author that I have read. It certainly won’t be my last. 4.5 stars....
Lilja Sigurðardóttir’s stand-alone novel Betrayal is a quite a tantalising morsel of Icelandic Noir that delves into the world of political intrigue, corruption and cover up while also highlighting the gender bias that continues to plague politics full stop. With short, sharp chapters, Sigurðardóttir deftly fuses multiple seemingly disparate story layers together to bring about a satisfying and realistic joined up tale. Betrayal is certainly the theme of the book and it seems that there are few characters who are exempt from either betraying or being betrayed.
Úrsula, former aid worker, traumatised by her experiences providing care to Ebola patients in Liberia and coordinating safe passage for Syrian refugees fleeing their war torn country, returns to her family in Iceland only to take up a political post as Minister of the Interior. Thrust into a political den of vipers, unearthing crimes of the past and being used as a scapegoat, Úrsula finds herself ricocheting from bad to worse, unable to make it through any day unscathed. Scarred from her experiences, battling political enemies and dealing with her father’s murder and descent into alcoholism and wilful homelessness, she struggles minute by minute to stay afloat.
Sigurðardóttir is quite masterful in the way she weaves multiple stories together. All of the seemingly separate stories are inextricably linked both intentionally and by coincidence which only becomes clear as the story unfolds. This was quite a riveting read and is the first Icelandic crime by this author that I have read. It certainly won’t be my last. 4.5 stars....
October 12, 2020
In the book, betrayal comes in many forms: infidelity, broken promises, compromised principles, false accusations and disloyalty. Many of these are manifested in the character of Úrsula herself. Driven by the same need to make a difference that saw her work in disaster relief around the world, she undertakes to try to right an injustice. That decision will have consequences she could not have foreseen. In the process, Úrsula gets a lesson in the power of vested interests and a glimpse of the decidedly murky side of politics.
The strains on Úrsula’s family life of her high profile role as Minister of the Interior are soon apparent. The change that was supposed to bring the family closer together has done just the opposite, widening the fractures that already existed in her marriage to Nonni. Úrsula’s own actions and her inability to share with him the traumatic scenes she witnessed during her aid work only add to the tensions in their relationship.
The book has a complex web of different storylines and secondary characters that demand the reader’s full attention but definitely repay the effort. (The exception for me were the more bizarre elements of the storyline involving Stella.) Some of the connections between the characters seem obvious from the beginning, others less so. However, all the threads are cleverly woven together in the end to create a picture you may not have been expecting. And you’ll have learned about Icelandic naming conventions along the way.
The short chapters and the fact that events unfold over the space of only a few weeks create a sense of pace. And the author has certainly mastered the art of finishing a chapter with a sentence that will chill, thrill or force you as a reader to say, okay just one more chapter…
Betrayal is a skilfully-crafted and gripping thriller full of contemporary resonance, touching as it does on topics such as press intrusion into the private lives of those in public office, political corruption, police brutality, the toxic nature of social media, drug culture, homelessness, racial discrimination…to name just a few.
The strains on Úrsula’s family life of her high profile role as Minister of the Interior are soon apparent. The change that was supposed to bring the family closer together has done just the opposite, widening the fractures that already existed in her marriage to Nonni. Úrsula’s own actions and her inability to share with him the traumatic scenes she witnessed during her aid work only add to the tensions in their relationship.
The book has a complex web of different storylines and secondary characters that demand the reader’s full attention but definitely repay the effort. (The exception for me were the more bizarre elements of the storyline involving Stella.) Some of the connections between the characters seem obvious from the beginning, others less so. However, all the threads are cleverly woven together in the end to create a picture you may not have been expecting. And you’ll have learned about Icelandic naming conventions along the way.
The short chapters and the fact that events unfold over the space of only a few weeks create a sense of pace. And the author has certainly mastered the art of finishing a chapter with a sentence that will chill, thrill or force you as a reader to say, okay just one more chapter…
Betrayal is a skilfully-crafted and gripping thriller full of contemporary resonance, touching as it does on topics such as press intrusion into the private lives of those in public office, political corruption, police brutality, the toxic nature of social media, drug culture, homelessness, racial discrimination…to name just a few.
October 13, 2020
“Betrayal” is Iceland’s leading female crime writer, Lilja Sigurdardottir’s latest novel, after her very successful ‘Reykjavik Noir Trilogy’ books which I highly enjoyed reading.
In this story, burnt out and traumatised aid worker, Úrsula, returns to Iceland after being given a top government role in which she hopes to make a difference to the plight of asylum seekers. However, it’s not long before she is drawn into dirty politics and starts to receive deadly threats. Upon attracting a stalker; his life, her bodyguard and a witch-like cleaner intertwine with her life and very soon small betrayals become large ones.
There was a lot of misogny in the story but I liked how Ursula wouldn’t back down during her days in office, especially regarding a suspected rape of a young girl, promising the mother she will look into the case and ensure that it receives a full investigation. For some reason, evidence is lost and no one seems keen to help her, so she turns to her journalist ‘friend’ Thorbjörn to seek help from the media. It was this persistence that endeared Ursula to me, though her constant recollections of her aid work in Liberia and working with Ebola patients did tire slightly.
The relationship between Stella the cleaning lady and tv newsreader Greta, was an interesting layer to the story and I could easily have read more between them. The fact that Stella believes herself to have magical spell casting powers was a delight and quite an unusual feature to have in a story featuring politics.
The back story to Úrsula’s alcoholic father and his death was what intrigued me the most and it was this that kept me turning the pages. Every layer ties up nicely at the end and although it was slow in areas, it was entertaining enough if not a touch predictable.
Once again Quentin Bates has done an excellent job translating the Icelandic story into English seamlessly and with a story full of the harsh world of politics and police corruption, “Betrayal” is a timely novel that feels sadly just that bit too realistic in the upper echelons of male power.
3.5 stars
In this story, burnt out and traumatised aid worker, Úrsula, returns to Iceland after being given a top government role in which she hopes to make a difference to the plight of asylum seekers. However, it’s not long before she is drawn into dirty politics and starts to receive deadly threats. Upon attracting a stalker; his life, her bodyguard and a witch-like cleaner intertwine with her life and very soon small betrayals become large ones.
There was a lot of misogny in the story but I liked how Ursula wouldn’t back down during her days in office, especially regarding a suspected rape of a young girl, promising the mother she will look into the case and ensure that it receives a full investigation. For some reason, evidence is lost and no one seems keen to help her, so she turns to her journalist ‘friend’ Thorbjörn to seek help from the media. It was this persistence that endeared Ursula to me, though her constant recollections of her aid work in Liberia and working with Ebola patients did tire slightly.
The relationship between Stella the cleaning lady and tv newsreader Greta, was an interesting layer to the story and I could easily have read more between them. The fact that Stella believes herself to have magical spell casting powers was a delight and quite an unusual feature to have in a story featuring politics.
The back story to Úrsula’s alcoholic father and his death was what intrigued me the most and it was this that kept me turning the pages. Every layer ties up nicely at the end and although it was slow in areas, it was entertaining enough if not a touch predictable.
Once again Quentin Bates has done an excellent job translating the Icelandic story into English seamlessly and with a story full of the harsh world of politics and police corruption, “Betrayal” is a timely novel that feels sadly just that bit too realistic in the upper echelons of male power.
3.5 stars
October 19, 2020
Finished reading: October 4th 2020
"If only it was as easy to delete people in real life as it was on Facebook."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
March 19, 2021
Un thriller bun, care se construieste treptat, ca un bulgare de zapada, antrenand rand pe rand tot mai multe personaje. O carte cumpatata, care nu exagereaza nici in numarul de personaje, nici in tensiunea construita in jurul povestii. Iar daca pana acum nordicii vi s-au parut prea reci, cu detalii prea grafice in violenta, Lilja Sigurdardottir nu exagereaza nici din acest punct de vedere. Nu vei sta ca pe ace sa descoperi intriga, dar nici nu te va plictisi, are o doza potrivita din orice, inclusiv de psihanaliza. Cu siguranta voi mai citi carti scrise de autoare (are una publicata de Crime Scene Press 🤫 )
November 4, 2023
Úrsúla Aradóttir, former overseas relief aid worker, has returned home in order to spend more time with her husband and two children. Ursula is appointed to the high-profile role of Minister for the Interior in Reykjavík, Iceland even though she was the unexpected choice from either of the two competing parties
Despite her position is only for a year, Úrsúla is determined to make the business of government more efficient. Working alongside permanent secretary, Óðinn Jónsson, she also intends to improve the lives of asylum seekers.
Shortly after her appointment, Ursula encounters a desperate mother who is fighting for justice for her fifteen-year-old daughter who had been raped by a cop. Learning that the case had been sitting dormant in the system, Ursula promised to make sure the case receives proper attention. Very soon, Úrsúla becomes frustrated after numerous requests to her colleagues go unanswered. She uses her journalist contact, Thorbjörn, to bring public attention to the case via the media.
This stand-alone novel, “Betrayal”, is set in Iceland and the story takes place in the first two weeks after Ursula’s appointment. As she forges ahead in her solo battle, Ursula finds herself dangerously in the middle of a political arena. In her determination to dig through deeply buried secrets, Ursula was thrust into the darkness of misogyny and betrayals. The author’s writing added to the realism of the story but the plotline became somewhat confusing with Ursula’s past and stalking by an unknown man were included in the prose.
Despite her position is only for a year, Úrsúla is determined to make the business of government more efficient. Working alongside permanent secretary, Óðinn Jónsson, she also intends to improve the lives of asylum seekers.
Shortly after her appointment, Ursula encounters a desperate mother who is fighting for justice for her fifteen-year-old daughter who had been raped by a cop. Learning that the case had been sitting dormant in the system, Ursula promised to make sure the case receives proper attention. Very soon, Úrsúla becomes frustrated after numerous requests to her colleagues go unanswered. She uses her journalist contact, Thorbjörn, to bring public attention to the case via the media.
This stand-alone novel, “Betrayal”, is set in Iceland and the story takes place in the first two weeks after Ursula’s appointment. As she forges ahead in her solo battle, Ursula finds herself dangerously in the middle of a political arena. In her determination to dig through deeply buried secrets, Ursula was thrust into the darkness of misogyny and betrayals. The author’s writing added to the realism of the story but the plotline became somewhat confusing with Ursula’s past and stalking by an unknown man were included in the prose.
July 11, 2020
Lilja Sigurðardóttir is the Icelandic crime fiction author who gave us the compelling "Reykjavik Noir" book trilogy (Snare, Trap, Cage) which put her on the map of the young and promising Nordic crime writers. I enjoyed all three books, though I believe that the first installment (Snare) had a spark that the following two novels lacked. Anyway, Lilja is one of the authors whose work I am truly interested in and I couldn't miss the chance of purchasing her newest book, Betrayal. It is a standalone novel and not part of a series, so no prior reading is required in order to comprehend the plot and the characters. In general terms, I enjoyed this book but there are one or two things that bothered me, especially the use of some trite plot tropes that constitute the hallmark for the vast majority of the contemporary Nordic noir novels. Furthermore, the storyline even though it is interesting enough to keep the reader's attention, it doesn't offer something truly innovative to the genre. Perhaps this is something too much to demand from every crime novel you read but it is a kind of personal niggle that more than often makes me feel frustrated even when reading decent crime fiction works.
To read my full review, visit https://tapthelinemag.com/post/betrayal
To read my full review, visit https://tapthelinemag.com/post/betrayal
October 7, 2020
Betrayal by Lilja Sigurðardóttir was published Oct 1st in original paperback with Orenda Books and is described as ‘a relevant, powerful, fast-paced thriller about the worlds of politics, police corruption and misogyny that feels just a little bit too real…’ It tells the story of a woman who finds herself stuck in world that is very male dominant, a world where she hoped she could make a difference.
Úrsula has spent years in war-torn parts of the world as an aid-worker. She has been left with emotional scars from the horrors she has witnessed and now, back in Iceland, is finding it hard to readjust to everyday living. Úrsula’s home life is very unsettled. Surrounded by the love and concern of her husband, Nonni, and her children, Úrsula has felt disjointed, almost as though she is floating through her life. Unable to explain her feelings, Úrsula was just hanging on, living every day without a purpose. A very unexpected call from the prime minister looking for Úrsula to consider a one-year temporary appointment in the role, combining the Ministries of Justice and Transport, takes Úrsula completely by surprise. With the unexpected illness of the sitting minister, Úrsula does question why she is chosen, as a non-party member, but she is excited. This is the first time, since returning from her charity work, that she has felt alive. Maybe, with Nonni’s support, she can make some real changes.
Úrsula accepts the role and, on her first day, unwittingly accepts a case where a mother is seeking justice for her daughter’s rape by a city official. Úrsula makes a promise to seek out justice but she is unaware of the tangled web she is about to find herself stuck in.
When stalked by a homeless man, Úrsula must look back to her past for possible answers, unearthing a truth that was buried many years previously.
Betrayal, excellently translated by Quentin Bates, is a novel of many layers. As each one is peeled back, another secret is revealed. Úrsula is a very shrewd candidate for a ministerial role leaving the men she works with quite unprepared for what they have unleashed. Exposing the cut-and-throat of politics, Betrayal, digs deep into the political psyche where acceptable levels of corruption are par for the course. Although this is a fictitious tale, it really does feel very authentic. There is one character in the novel who I felt there was too much focus on. This character is important to the final outcome but I felt a more condensed approach would have been better. But that aside I enjoyed this journey into Icelandic crime fiction.
Betrayal is an interesting tale highlighting the dirty side of politics and the extreme behaviour of those who wish to maintain a clean image. With short chapters Betrayal is a snappy, sharp read, one that is sure to please all Lilja Sigurðardóttir fans. Reading these translated works from Orenda Books is always fascinating and so very insightful. We see beyond the familiar as we open our minds to the greater world while also introducing ourselves to such a wonderful variety of writing styles, a very positive thing indeed!
Úrsula has spent years in war-torn parts of the world as an aid-worker. She has been left with emotional scars from the horrors she has witnessed and now, back in Iceland, is finding it hard to readjust to everyday living. Úrsula’s home life is very unsettled. Surrounded by the love and concern of her husband, Nonni, and her children, Úrsula has felt disjointed, almost as though she is floating through her life. Unable to explain her feelings, Úrsula was just hanging on, living every day without a purpose. A very unexpected call from the prime minister looking for Úrsula to consider a one-year temporary appointment in the role, combining the Ministries of Justice and Transport, takes Úrsula completely by surprise. With the unexpected illness of the sitting minister, Úrsula does question why she is chosen, as a non-party member, but she is excited. This is the first time, since returning from her charity work, that she has felt alive. Maybe, with Nonni’s support, she can make some real changes.
Úrsula accepts the role and, on her first day, unwittingly accepts a case where a mother is seeking justice for her daughter’s rape by a city official. Úrsula makes a promise to seek out justice but she is unaware of the tangled web she is about to find herself stuck in.
When stalked by a homeless man, Úrsula must look back to her past for possible answers, unearthing a truth that was buried many years previously.
Betrayal, excellently translated by Quentin Bates, is a novel of many layers. As each one is peeled back, another secret is revealed. Úrsula is a very shrewd candidate for a ministerial role leaving the men she works with quite unprepared for what they have unleashed. Exposing the cut-and-throat of politics, Betrayal, digs deep into the political psyche where acceptable levels of corruption are par for the course. Although this is a fictitious tale, it really does feel very authentic. There is one character in the novel who I felt there was too much focus on. This character is important to the final outcome but I felt a more condensed approach would have been better. But that aside I enjoyed this journey into Icelandic crime fiction.
Betrayal is an interesting tale highlighting the dirty side of politics and the extreme behaviour of those who wish to maintain a clean image. With short chapters Betrayal is a snappy, sharp read, one that is sure to please all Lilja Sigurðardóttir fans. Reading these translated works from Orenda Books is always fascinating and so very insightful. We see beyond the familiar as we open our minds to the greater world while also introducing ourselves to such a wonderful variety of writing styles, a very positive thing indeed!
July 24, 2024
¡Qué agradable descubrimiento!
Una firme ventana para entrar un poco a la cultura de Islandia.
Trama bien hilvanada, con excelente ritmo, personajes sólidos y una protagonista entera, compleja y creíble.
Un final en donde todas las piezas "caen" y encajan rápidamente, pero no por precipitación de la autora sino por lo bien construidos que han estado todos los capítulos.
Comprado y firmado en QDP 2024, en Lyon. Me firmó el libro en español y me comentó que encontraría un pequeño homenaje a México en la trama... ¡y así fue!
Una firme ventana para entrar un poco a la cultura de Islandia.
Trama bien hilvanada, con excelente ritmo, personajes sólidos y una protagonista entera, compleja y creíble.
Un final en donde todas las piezas "caen" y encajan rápidamente, pero no por precipitación de la autora sino por lo bien construidos que han estado todos los capítulos.
Comprado y firmado en QDP 2024, en Lyon. Me firmó el libro en español y me comentó que encontraría un pequeño homenaje a México en la trama... ¡y así fue!
May 17, 2022
Úrsúla Aradóttir hat in Island noch nicht wieder Fuß gefasst nach Einsätzen für Ärzte ohne Grenzen beim Ausbruch des Ebola-Virus und in einem Flüchtlingslager. Doch anstatt ihre traumatischen Erlebnisse mit therapeutischer Hilfe zu verarbeiten, schiebt sie alltägliche Eheprobleme vor. Das Angebot, befristet für ein Jahr den erkrankten isländischen Innenminister zu vertreten, bietet ihr daher einen willkommenen Vorwand, die nötige Trauma-Therapie aufzuschieben.
Úrsúla krempelt sofort die Ärmel hoch. Im überschaubaren, sicheren Reykjavik hält sie einen Fahrer für überflüssig. Sie durchkreuzt damit die Pläne des Personenschützers Gunnar, der für den erhofften Posten hart trainiert hat und sich für die Idealbesetzung hält. Als Úrsúla sich über die dringendsten Probleme informieren lässt, hätte eine weniger ausgebrannte Person sich vermutlich gefragt, ob von ihr innerhalb eines Jahres Wunder erwartet werden, damit andere Politiker sich an den heißen Themen die Finger nicht verbrennen. Auf ihrer Agenda steht der ungeklärte, Aufsehen erregende Fall eines Polizisten, der die minderjährige Babysitterin der Familie vergewaltigt haben soll, ein Konflikt um die Freiheit der Namensgebung in Island, der ultrarechte, nationalistische Kreise erbost, und ein Straßenbauvorhaben, das einem verurteilten Kriminellen die Taschen füllen wird. An anderer Stelle blickt ein Obdachloser fassungslos auf ein Zeitungsfoto, das die Interimsministerin mit einer Person zeigt, von der seiner Ansicht nach große Gefahr für sie ausgeht. Úrsúla wird sich gezwungenermaßen und unter den Augen der kritischen Öffentlichkeit damit auseinandersetzen müssen, wie ihr Vater vor Jahren starb. Als wären das noch nicht genug Konfliktherde, betritt eine junge Frau die Bühne, die als Bewährungsmaßnahme in einem Reinigungsunternehmen arbeitet und der bisher noch nie etwas geschenkt wurde.
Mit einer großen Zahl an – interessanten – Personen und Handlungsfäden, der Einbindung Sozialer Medien und extrem schnellen Schnitten legt Lilja Sigurðardóttir einen spannenden, originellen Politthriller vor. Die Komplexität des Plots steht m. A. nach im Missverhältnis zu extrem kurzen Kapiteln, teils nur eine Seite lang, die den Roman durch zahlreiche unbedruckte Seiten unnötig aufgebläht wirken lassen.
Úrsúla krempelt sofort die Ärmel hoch. Im überschaubaren, sicheren Reykjavik hält sie einen Fahrer für überflüssig. Sie durchkreuzt damit die Pläne des Personenschützers Gunnar, der für den erhofften Posten hart trainiert hat und sich für die Idealbesetzung hält. Als Úrsúla sich über die dringendsten Probleme informieren lässt, hätte eine weniger ausgebrannte Person sich vermutlich gefragt, ob von ihr innerhalb eines Jahres Wunder erwartet werden, damit andere Politiker sich an den heißen Themen die Finger nicht verbrennen. Auf ihrer Agenda steht der ungeklärte, Aufsehen erregende Fall eines Polizisten, der die minderjährige Babysitterin der Familie vergewaltigt haben soll, ein Konflikt um die Freiheit der Namensgebung in Island, der ultrarechte, nationalistische Kreise erbost, und ein Straßenbauvorhaben, das einem verurteilten Kriminellen die Taschen füllen wird. An anderer Stelle blickt ein Obdachloser fassungslos auf ein Zeitungsfoto, das die Interimsministerin mit einer Person zeigt, von der seiner Ansicht nach große Gefahr für sie ausgeht. Úrsúla wird sich gezwungenermaßen und unter den Augen der kritischen Öffentlichkeit damit auseinandersetzen müssen, wie ihr Vater vor Jahren starb. Als wären das noch nicht genug Konfliktherde, betritt eine junge Frau die Bühne, die als Bewährungsmaßnahme in einem Reinigungsunternehmen arbeitet und der bisher noch nie etwas geschenkt wurde.
Mit einer großen Zahl an – interessanten – Personen und Handlungsfäden, der Einbindung Sozialer Medien und extrem schnellen Schnitten legt Lilja Sigurðardóttir einen spannenden, originellen Politthriller vor. Die Komplexität des Plots steht m. A. nach im Missverhältnis zu extrem kurzen Kapiteln, teils nur eine Seite lang, die den Roman durch zahlreiche unbedruckte Seiten unnötig aufgebläht wirken lassen.
January 2, 2021
If you pick up one of Lilja Sigurðardóttir’s novels expecting the cliched Nordic Noir tropes of dour, alcohol-soaked detectives chipping away at a wintry investigation into a disturbing murder, you’re in for a shock. The award-winning Icelandic storyteller is a sparkling example of the variety of Scandi crime: she crafts slick thrillers with plenty of pace; diverse characters thrust into unexpected situations.
Her ‘Reykjavik Noir’ trilogy centred on a desperate young mother who turns to cocaine smuggling and gets entwined with international drug lords and bankers caught up in white collar crimes and the banking crash. BETRAYAL is something different - a standalone - while still providing plenty of the facets that Anglophone readers have enjoyed in Sigurðardóttir's past tales (ably translated by Bates).
Ursula is a burnt-out aid worker who returns home to Iceland and is arm-twisted to temporarily become a government minister. It’s a desk job where she won’t face the daily horrors of disease, war, and famine that she’s experienced for many years while working in aid camps - experiences that still give her nightmares. But when Ursula makes a promise to help a mother accusing a policeman of raping her daughter – a case others are trying to sweep under the rug – and a homeless man with ties to her past starts stalking her, it seems Iceland can be just as dangerous as war zones and famine-struck nations.
Sigurðardóttir’s latest tale, adroitly translated by Quentin Bates, is about much more than dirty politics and deadly threats. She expertly takes us into the lives of her characters and the traumas they battle. From Ursula to her ambitious bodyguard to the families of the accused policeman and his alleged victim (both of whom are feeling unfairly victimized) to the homeless man who knew Ursula’s murdered father. And perhaps killed him. BETRAYAL is a fine piece of storytelling that touches on several important issues, from the personal to the social and global, while never getting bogged down.
Very good.
Her ‘Reykjavik Noir’ trilogy centred on a desperate young mother who turns to cocaine smuggling and gets entwined with international drug lords and bankers caught up in white collar crimes and the banking crash. BETRAYAL is something different - a standalone - while still providing plenty of the facets that Anglophone readers have enjoyed in Sigurðardóttir's past tales (ably translated by Bates).
Ursula is a burnt-out aid worker who returns home to Iceland and is arm-twisted to temporarily become a government minister. It’s a desk job where she won’t face the daily horrors of disease, war, and famine that she’s experienced for many years while working in aid camps - experiences that still give her nightmares. But when Ursula makes a promise to help a mother accusing a policeman of raping her daughter – a case others are trying to sweep under the rug – and a homeless man with ties to her past starts stalking her, it seems Iceland can be just as dangerous as war zones and famine-struck nations.
Sigurðardóttir’s latest tale, adroitly translated by Quentin Bates, is about much more than dirty politics and deadly threats. She expertly takes us into the lives of her characters and the traumas they battle. From Ursula to her ambitious bodyguard to the families of the accused policeman and his alleged victim (both of whom are feeling unfairly victimized) to the homeless man who knew Ursula’s murdered father. And perhaps killed him. BETRAYAL is a fine piece of storytelling that touches on several important issues, from the personal to the social and global, while never getting bogged down.
Very good.
November 28, 2020
Lilja Sigurðardóttir is a new author to me. I’ve heard about a couple of her books from a friend and seen them on Goodreads but never actually read any of them until now.
Betrayal is a well written book. It was an interesting read and pretty easy to follow. The book is quite short with just over 270 pages and quite a lot of chapters. The chapters are very short so don’t really take long to get through. Saying that it took me nearly 2 weeks to finish this book, the main reason for this was it was a hell of a slow burn for me. In my opinion nothing very exciting happens at the beginning. The scene is set and were introduced to Icelandic Politics. I found the Icelandic Politics quite interesting, but couldn’t really tell how accurate it was, as I know nothing about it.
The characters weren’t all likeable but were interesting enough to keep me reading. They made me want to find out how they were liked and what would happen next.
Betrayal is a translated book and think Quentin bates has done a great job in translating it but, like with quite a few translated books I’ve read before I feel something is always lost, and this is when I wish I could read multiple languages.
Although this was a slow burn I would say this is a good book, and one that I would recommend to a couple of friends, who love reading Icelandic read
I would like to thank LoveReading UK and the publishers Orenda for sending me a physical ARC of this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Betrayal is a well written book. It was an interesting read and pretty easy to follow. The book is quite short with just over 270 pages and quite a lot of chapters. The chapters are very short so don’t really take long to get through. Saying that it took me nearly 2 weeks to finish this book, the main reason for this was it was a hell of a slow burn for me. In my opinion nothing very exciting happens at the beginning. The scene is set and were introduced to Icelandic Politics. I found the Icelandic Politics quite interesting, but couldn’t really tell how accurate it was, as I know nothing about it.
The characters weren’t all likeable but were interesting enough to keep me reading. They made me want to find out how they were liked and what would happen next.
Betrayal is a translated book and think Quentin bates has done a great job in translating it but, like with quite a few translated books I’ve read before I feel something is always lost, and this is when I wish I could read multiple languages.
Although this was a slow burn I would say this is a good book, and one that I would recommend to a couple of friends, who love reading Icelandic read
I would like to thank LoveReading UK and the publishers Orenda for sending me a physical ARC of this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
December 5, 2020
This was a story of betrayal and a past that didn't leave anything to chance. It starts with our heroine coming out of an ebola outbreak from Africa and then a bomb scare in Syria into Jordan. She accepts a ministerial position in the Icelandic government after she gets home and has a two week job with people screaming at her. One story is of a rape of a girl babysitting. The other is of a bum who new her father and new the devil who killed him. The other is the south highway that was to be built was funded by a crime lord. All this takes place within two weeks and Lilja's description of everything is without exception. I think it was her best book so far and she has incredible empathy that takes over and makes incredible reading.
November 3, 2020
It's about Ursula who comes back from working overseas and has a bit of PTSD and gets a job as minster, mostly because I think the guys thought they could control her more, but she ends up telling a lady right off the bat that she would look into a rape case that ends up starting more trouble than she realized and then some things have to do with her fathers death, etc.
Over all I just didn't find this book to be that thrilling for a thriller. I was pretty bored throughout most of it and just had a hard time getting it read. I was curious how it was going to all wrap up which is really why I kept going but just not for me.
Over all I just didn't find this book to be that thrilling for a thriller. I was pretty bored throughout most of it and just had a hard time getting it read. I was curious how it was going to all wrap up which is really why I kept going but just not for me.
May 17, 2022
Nach zwei schwierigen Einsätzen in einem Ebolagebiet und Syrien kehrt Úrsúla zurück nach Island zu ihrem Mann und den beiden Kindern. Als man ihr interimsweise den Posten der Innenministerin anbietet, kann sie nicht ablehnen und wird schon am ersten Tag mit einem Vertuschungsfall bei der Polizei konfrontiert. Sie will ihre Arbeit besser machen als die Vorgänger, doch die Politik ist ein Haifischbecken und man hat nur auf neues Futter gewartet. Es dauert nicht lange, bis sie Drohungen an ihrem Auto findet, bis plötzlich der Mörder ihres Vaters auftaucht und bis ihr fragiles Privatleben gänzlich aus dem Runder zu laufen droht. Kommt die toughe Frau, die glaubte, schon alles gesehen zu haben, jetzt in ihrer beschaulichen Heimat an den Rand ihrer Grenzen?
Nach der Reykjavík Trilogie nun ein Standalone-Thriller der mit Theaterstücken bekannt gewordenen Autorin Lilja Sigurðardóttir. In „Betrug“ führt sie ihre Protagonistin in die schmutzige Welt der Politik ein, die von Korruption und Frauenfeindlichkeit geprägt ist – auch einem Land, das international eher wie alle nordischen Länder für egalitär gehalten wird. Aus ganz unterschiedlichen Richtungen scheinen die Angriffe zu kommen, wie diese zusammenhängen und wem man glauben und vertrauen kann, bleibt lange im Dunkeln. Ein spannender Fall für eine starke Frau, die auch Schwächen zeigen darf.
Úrsúla ist von Idealismus geprägt, sie zieht es in die Gebiete, wo die Lage am prekärsten ist und hat keine Angst, sich selbst auch großer Gefahr auszusetzen. Was soll dann auf Island Großes drohen? Sie übernimmt den Posten als Ministerin in der Überzeugung, etwas besser machen zu können, muss aber schnell erkennen, dass ihr Handlungsspielraum begrenzt ist. Und erleben, dass sie besonders als Frau Anfeindungen ausgesetzt ist. Es sind viele kleine Nadelstiche, die sie aushalten muss, während sie ihre Erlebnisse aus Afrika und Syrien noch nicht verarbeitet hat. Auch der brutale Tod ihres Vaters in ihrer Kindheit verfolgt sie nach wie vor.
Was mich besonders überzeugte, war, dass sie zwar zunächst noch versucht, über einen Schutzpanzer emotional nichts an sich heranzulassen, dann aber doch einsieht, dass ein Psychologe und ein offenes Gespräch ein Weg aus dem Teufelskreis sein kann. Eine starke Persönlichkeit besticht eher dadurch, dass sie durchdacht mit Problemen umgeht als dass sie als Einzelkämpfer versucht, nichts an ihrem Image kratzen zu lassen. Eine Facette, die man auch in Romanen bis dato eher selten findet.
Die politischen Verstrickungen sind clever inszeniert und lassen die Zusammenhänge nicht gleich erkennen. Die Spannung zieht sich so geschickt durch die Handlung und muss nicht unnötig durch actiongeladene Szenen aufrechterhalten werden.
Ein überzeugender Fall, der vor allem durch die Figuren und einen komplexen Fall besticht.
Nach der Reykjavík Trilogie nun ein Standalone-Thriller der mit Theaterstücken bekannt gewordenen Autorin Lilja Sigurðardóttir. In „Betrug“ führt sie ihre Protagonistin in die schmutzige Welt der Politik ein, die von Korruption und Frauenfeindlichkeit geprägt ist – auch einem Land, das international eher wie alle nordischen Länder für egalitär gehalten wird. Aus ganz unterschiedlichen Richtungen scheinen die Angriffe zu kommen, wie diese zusammenhängen und wem man glauben und vertrauen kann, bleibt lange im Dunkeln. Ein spannender Fall für eine starke Frau, die auch Schwächen zeigen darf.
Úrsúla ist von Idealismus geprägt, sie zieht es in die Gebiete, wo die Lage am prekärsten ist und hat keine Angst, sich selbst auch großer Gefahr auszusetzen. Was soll dann auf Island Großes drohen? Sie übernimmt den Posten als Ministerin in der Überzeugung, etwas besser machen zu können, muss aber schnell erkennen, dass ihr Handlungsspielraum begrenzt ist. Und erleben, dass sie besonders als Frau Anfeindungen ausgesetzt ist. Es sind viele kleine Nadelstiche, die sie aushalten muss, während sie ihre Erlebnisse aus Afrika und Syrien noch nicht verarbeitet hat. Auch der brutale Tod ihres Vaters in ihrer Kindheit verfolgt sie nach wie vor.
Was mich besonders überzeugte, war, dass sie zwar zunächst noch versucht, über einen Schutzpanzer emotional nichts an sich heranzulassen, dann aber doch einsieht, dass ein Psychologe und ein offenes Gespräch ein Weg aus dem Teufelskreis sein kann. Eine starke Persönlichkeit besticht eher dadurch, dass sie durchdacht mit Problemen umgeht als dass sie als Einzelkämpfer versucht, nichts an ihrem Image kratzen zu lassen. Eine Facette, die man auch in Romanen bis dato eher selten findet.
Die politischen Verstrickungen sind clever inszeniert und lassen die Zusammenhänge nicht gleich erkennen. Die Spannung zieht sich so geschickt durch die Handlung und muss nicht unnötig durch actiongeladene Szenen aufrechterhalten werden.
Ein überzeugender Fall, der vor allem durch die Figuren und einen komplexen Fall besticht.
November 8, 2020
I'm grateful to Orenda Books for an advance copy of Betrayal to consider for review.
In Betrayal, Lilja Sigurðardóttir gives us a close study of former aid worker Úrsúla, newly returned to Iceland after traumatic postings to Liberia during the Ebola epidemic and then to Syria. Úrsúla is clearly suffering from trauma (she has some harrowing flashbacks) but also feels rudderless and out of touch. She jumps at the opportunity to take on a Government role as Minister for the Interior, with all the challenges that will entail. Husband Norri isn't quite so sure - but there's a coolness between them and she doesn't let that stop her.
While Sigurðardóttir doesn't explicitly make the point, it's clear this is the same Iceland as described in the Reykjavík Noir trilogy, since certain events and characters from Cage are referred to. The detail is less relevant than the political upheavals posited in the earlier books, leaving a situation where an outsider might credibly be brought in to a fractious coalition.
Again, like the earlier books, there is a crime in the story, but the focus isn't on solving that crime but rather on the cleavages and dilemmas that its existence poses. The little group of characters among whom the consequences play out are varied in background and motives: Úrsúla herself, her uptight Permanent Secretary Óðinn (he greets her by asking after her health, he doesn't want another Minister who gets ill), TV presenter Greta who's on a quest for true love, Stella the cleaner, dosser Pétur and Úrsúla's bodyguard/ driver Gunnar. (Sigurðardóttir has fun with Gunnar's obsession with fitness and self-control - I felt quite story for him).
The themes of the novel are also wide: bureaucratic inertia, in particular the failure to investigate a complaint of rape, politics and avoiding unpopular decisions, personal tragedy (Úrsúla's father died in a police cell), social media stalking. Reykjavík's seamier nightlife gets a look-in, as Greta and Stella meet at one of the wild parties thrown by 'the Annas' and - from the UK perspective - there's a fascinating vision of Icelandic society as open, with people from all walks mingling in ways that would just feel unreal here (in particular, of course, a non-MP, non-Party ember brought in as a Minister). Not that it's a paradise, though - Sigurðardóttir remarks somewhere on the conferral of status through one's car and how only the poor ride on buses, and there's a nasty vein of misogyny directed at Úrsúla and at other women here.
Above all the book is, though, as I've said, a character study. Úrsúla is powerfully and convincingly portrayed, her traumas playing a large part in how she behaves and what she does. It's a numbness she suffers, dulling the senses and the emotions and pushing her to experiment to regain some feeling. Not perhaps the ideal frame of mind to be taking politically sensitive decisions (or dealing with some of the egos that Úrsúla encounters in her Department - including men who seem to take it as a personal insult that a woman is in charge of them). And that's even before she begins getting threatening notes and online hate messages...
Overall, Sigurðardóttir plots a clever, involving story that not only has plenty of twists but keeps the reader guessing as to what (and who) exactly is behind it all. While Úrsúla may be the main focus, the ensemble of characters really brings the book alive and I hope we might meet some of them again in future books - Stella, for example, is fascinating.
As ever, Quentin Bates's translation is clear and lucid, without "Englishing" the language and settings - these are clearly Icelanders in Iceland. And it's all very well observed - I have been one of those unfortunate tourists who arrived in Iceland in the depths of winter and didn't get to see the Northern Lights for the mists and fog!
I would strongly recommend, and if you haven't read Reykjavík Noir yet, this relatively standalone book may just way to sample Sigurðardóttir's writing and get yourself hooked...
In Betrayal, Lilja Sigurðardóttir gives us a close study of former aid worker Úrsúla, newly returned to Iceland after traumatic postings to Liberia during the Ebola epidemic and then to Syria. Úrsúla is clearly suffering from trauma (she has some harrowing flashbacks) but also feels rudderless and out of touch. She jumps at the opportunity to take on a Government role as Minister for the Interior, with all the challenges that will entail. Husband Norri isn't quite so sure - but there's a coolness between them and she doesn't let that stop her.
While Sigurðardóttir doesn't explicitly make the point, it's clear this is the same Iceland as described in the Reykjavík Noir trilogy, since certain events and characters from Cage are referred to. The detail is less relevant than the political upheavals posited in the earlier books, leaving a situation where an outsider might credibly be brought in to a fractious coalition.
Again, like the earlier books, there is a crime in the story, but the focus isn't on solving that crime but rather on the cleavages and dilemmas that its existence poses. The little group of characters among whom the consequences play out are varied in background and motives: Úrsúla herself, her uptight Permanent Secretary Óðinn (he greets her by asking after her health, he doesn't want another Minister who gets ill), TV presenter Greta who's on a quest for true love, Stella the cleaner, dosser Pétur and Úrsúla's bodyguard/ driver Gunnar. (Sigurðardóttir has fun with Gunnar's obsession with fitness and self-control - I felt quite story for him).
The themes of the novel are also wide: bureaucratic inertia, in particular the failure to investigate a complaint of rape, politics and avoiding unpopular decisions, personal tragedy (Úrsúla's father died in a police cell), social media stalking. Reykjavík's seamier nightlife gets a look-in, as Greta and Stella meet at one of the wild parties thrown by 'the Annas' and - from the UK perspective - there's a fascinating vision of Icelandic society as open, with people from all walks mingling in ways that would just feel unreal here (in particular, of course, a non-MP, non-Party ember brought in as a Minister). Not that it's a paradise, though - Sigurðardóttir remarks somewhere on the conferral of status through one's car and how only the poor ride on buses, and there's a nasty vein of misogyny directed at Úrsúla and at other women here.
Above all the book is, though, as I've said, a character study. Úrsúla is powerfully and convincingly portrayed, her traumas playing a large part in how she behaves and what she does. It's a numbness she suffers, dulling the senses and the emotions and pushing her to experiment to regain some feeling. Not perhaps the ideal frame of mind to be taking politically sensitive decisions (or dealing with some of the egos that Úrsúla encounters in her Department - including men who seem to take it as a personal insult that a woman is in charge of them). And that's even before she begins getting threatening notes and online hate messages...
Overall, Sigurðardóttir plots a clever, involving story that not only has plenty of twists but keeps the reader guessing as to what (and who) exactly is behind it all. While Úrsúla may be the main focus, the ensemble of characters really brings the book alive and I hope we might meet some of them again in future books - Stella, for example, is fascinating.
As ever, Quentin Bates's translation is clear and lucid, without "Englishing" the language and settings - these are clearly Icelanders in Iceland. And it's all very well observed - I have been one of those unfortunate tourists who arrived in Iceland in the depths of winter and didn't get to see the Northern Lights for the mists and fog!
I would strongly recommend, and if you haven't read Reykjavík Noir yet, this relatively standalone book may just way to sample Sigurðardóttir's writing and get yourself hooked...
October 28, 2020
I was excited for this one from Sigurðadóttir as I had really enjoyed Snare, Trap and Cage, and I'm happy to say I wasn't disappointed at all!
Betrayal takes place over seventeen or eighteen days beginning with Úrsúla Aradóttir taking over her new role as Interiors Minister with the Icelandic Government. She's an unusual appointment as she doesn't come from a political background but the role is only for a year. She has come back from Ebola frontline hospitals in Liberia and the war zones of Syria and has taken on this ministerial job to help immigrants arriving in Iceland. On her first day she promises Rosa that she will find out what's happening with her daughter's rape case. Soon after she starts receiving bizarre, unsettling handwritten notes, then vile, threatening emails. And that's just the beginning ...
Úrsúla is really interesting and a brilliantly written character. It's hard not to like her, she just wants to help people. And although traumatised by her experiences abroad, she is desperate for another challenging role. She's brave and doesn't compromise easily but she's unhappy and unable to connect with her husband and children in the way she wants to. Her nightmares are horrific, even to the reader. It's not easy settling into the new job as she learns that there are accepted practices, procedures to follow and things don't always move as fast as she would like. And not everybody is thrilled to see a female minister...
I also loved assistant Eva and cleaner Stella. We don't learn too much about Eva but she keeps Úrsúla right and has an endless supply of clean blouses at hand. Stella is such an interesting character. She's had a difficult and sad upbringing and hasn't always made good choices as an adult. Thanks to her Faroese grandmother she believes in magic and spells, and isn't averse to casting one or two. But possibly my favourite character was Gunnar, a man who just wants to do his dream job well. And he does.
The story? Oh goodness. With threats coming from all directions, Betrayal is never dull. Sigurðadóttir has weaved together different threads that eventually come together in a nailbiting denouement. There is political scandal, police corruption and death threats amongst the pages, and I stayed up way too late reading it! I just couldn't put it down. Betrayal is a very effective political crime thriller but,more than that, it's about the people and the love, loss, fear, grief, trauma and hope they experience, Beautifully written, full of rich detail and authentic, I loved every minute of Betrayal.
Betrayal takes place over seventeen or eighteen days beginning with Úrsúla Aradóttir taking over her new role as Interiors Minister with the Icelandic Government. She's an unusual appointment as she doesn't come from a political background but the role is only for a year. She has come back from Ebola frontline hospitals in Liberia and the war zones of Syria and has taken on this ministerial job to help immigrants arriving in Iceland. On her first day she promises Rosa that she will find out what's happening with her daughter's rape case. Soon after she starts receiving bizarre, unsettling handwritten notes, then vile, threatening emails. And that's just the beginning ...
Úrsúla is really interesting and a brilliantly written character. It's hard not to like her, she just wants to help people. And although traumatised by her experiences abroad, she is desperate for another challenging role. She's brave and doesn't compromise easily but she's unhappy and unable to connect with her husband and children in the way she wants to. Her nightmares are horrific, even to the reader. It's not easy settling into the new job as she learns that there are accepted practices, procedures to follow and things don't always move as fast as she would like. And not everybody is thrilled to see a female minister...
I also loved assistant Eva and cleaner Stella. We don't learn too much about Eva but she keeps Úrsúla right and has an endless supply of clean blouses at hand. Stella is such an interesting character. She's had a difficult and sad upbringing and hasn't always made good choices as an adult. Thanks to her Faroese grandmother she believes in magic and spells, and isn't averse to casting one or two. But possibly my favourite character was Gunnar, a man who just wants to do his dream job well. And he does.
The story? Oh goodness. With threats coming from all directions, Betrayal is never dull. Sigurðadóttir has weaved together different threads that eventually come together in a nailbiting denouement. There is political scandal, police corruption and death threats amongst the pages, and I stayed up way too late reading it! I just couldn't put it down. Betrayal is a very effective political crime thriller but,more than that, it's about the people and the love, loss, fear, grief, trauma and hope they experience, Beautifully written, full of rich detail and authentic, I loved every minute of Betrayal.
August 4, 2022
A tense, political thriller covered in a cloak of fear, humanity and intoxicating mystery.
I have never read any Nordic before, however I do seem to have some form of attachment to the Nordic culture and history. That made this novel by Lilja Sigurdardóttir extremely intriguing to me. I will give a big thanks to the wonderful team at Orenda Books for the review copy.
Lilja Sigurdardóttir has begun what I believe will be a long love of Nordic novels. This honestly is a phenomenal story which involves deep betrayals, mysterious magic and violent political unrest. I was on holiday, off the grid, whilst reading this book and I couldn't put it down. Every moment of calm involved me flipping open my kindle and whisking away to frozen Iceland. Every chapter played out like a thriller TV series and Lilja has a supreme ability to develop a world inside your mind.
The story itself is a wild ride. Within the covers there is everything from Norse magic to political deception and cover ups at the highest levels! Each of the chapters are packed with intense action and always ends with a terrific cliff-hanger that wills you to carry on reading and more often than not… I did, normally way past when I should have been asleep!
If you are looking for rich characters then look no further. Lilja has created a wealth of deeply intriguing and investable characters. Each of which has the ability to lead its own story, in fact they do. Each character has their own storyline that is entwined with that of Úrsula. These storylines have been given as much attention as Úrsula’s and provides a support for the main story whilst keeping the novel fresh and satisfying.
Betrayal
Betrayal will forever hold a special place in my heart as a novel that has kickstarted a love of Nordic novels. A sublime story of fighting the good fight, betrayal on the grandest scale wrapped up with Norse magic and fantastic personal journeys. Betrayal by Lilja Sigurdardóttir is a suspenseful Nordic crime thriller that hooks you and doesn’t let go.
I have never read any Nordic before, however I do seem to have some form of attachment to the Nordic culture and history. That made this novel by Lilja Sigurdardóttir extremely intriguing to me. I will give a big thanks to the wonderful team at Orenda Books for the review copy.
Lilja Sigurdardóttir has begun what I believe will be a long love of Nordic novels. This honestly is a phenomenal story which involves deep betrayals, mysterious magic and violent political unrest. I was on holiday, off the grid, whilst reading this book and I couldn't put it down. Every moment of calm involved me flipping open my kindle and whisking away to frozen Iceland. Every chapter played out like a thriller TV series and Lilja has a supreme ability to develop a world inside your mind.
The story itself is a wild ride. Within the covers there is everything from Norse magic to political deception and cover ups at the highest levels! Each of the chapters are packed with intense action and always ends with a terrific cliff-hanger that wills you to carry on reading and more often than not… I did, normally way past when I should have been asleep!
If you are looking for rich characters then look no further. Lilja has created a wealth of deeply intriguing and investable characters. Each of which has the ability to lead its own story, in fact they do. Each character has their own storyline that is entwined with that of Úrsula. These storylines have been given as much attention as Úrsula’s and provides a support for the main story whilst keeping the novel fresh and satisfying.
Betrayal
Betrayal will forever hold a special place in my heart as a novel that has kickstarted a love of Nordic novels. A sublime story of fighting the good fight, betrayal on the grandest scale wrapped up with Norse magic and fantastic personal journeys. Betrayal by Lilja Sigurdardóttir is a suspenseful Nordic crime thriller that hooks you and doesn’t let go.
September 28, 2024
Betrug von Lilja Sigurdardóttir gelesen dank Netgalley
Ursula wird Ministerin, obwohl sie bisher nicht in der Politik war. Sie hat lange Jahre international in der Seuchenbekämpfung und der Arbeit von Flüchtlingslagern gearbeitet, doch jetzt hat sie ihrem Mann versprochen in Island tätig zu sein. Das Angebot als Innenministerin zu arbeiten, scheint für sie die richtige Aufgabe und sie verspricht sofort der ersten Frau, die sie um Unterstützung gegen die Vertuschung einer Straftat bittet, Hilfe.
Doch jemand hat Gründe dies zu verhindern und versucht sie über dunkle Geheimnisse ihrer Vergangenheit aus dem Amt zu bekommen. Aber auch Helfershelfer können die falschen Hintergründe ans Licht zerren. Als dann noch ein verwirrter Obdachloser aus ihrer Vergangenheit Ursula vor jemand warnen will, wird ihre Arbeit zum Fischen im Dunkeln.
Schwierig für mich war es, mich an die isländische Höflichkeit zu gewöhnen, in der jeder jeden Duzt. Es fühlt sich sprachlich zunächst als vorgespielte Nähe an.
Inhaltlich fand ich die verschiedenen Kapitel mit wechselnden Hauptpersonen und Geschichten aus deren Sicht insgesamt stimmig. Anfangs waren Einzelne nicht recht in die Thematik einzuordnen und deren Erlebnisse schienen mehr Beiwerk als Geschichte zu sein – aber nach und nach passte alles ineinander. Ich mochte das eher geruhsame Tempo, in dem alles voranschritt, den Sprachstil und auch die Geschichte und besonders, dass keine Person gänzlich gut war, sondern alle auch Brüche in ihrem Leben hatten und sich ggfls. entwickeln konnten.
#Betrug #LiljaSigurdardottir #NetGalleyDE! #KathrinliebtLesen #Bookstagram #Rezension
Ursula wird Ministerin, obwohl sie bisher nicht in der Politik war. Sie hat lange Jahre international in der Seuchenbekämpfung und der Arbeit von Flüchtlingslagern gearbeitet, doch jetzt hat sie ihrem Mann versprochen in Island tätig zu sein. Das Angebot als Innenministerin zu arbeiten, scheint für sie die richtige Aufgabe und sie verspricht sofort der ersten Frau, die sie um Unterstützung gegen die Vertuschung einer Straftat bittet, Hilfe.
Doch jemand hat Gründe dies zu verhindern und versucht sie über dunkle Geheimnisse ihrer Vergangenheit aus dem Amt zu bekommen. Aber auch Helfershelfer können die falschen Hintergründe ans Licht zerren. Als dann noch ein verwirrter Obdachloser aus ihrer Vergangenheit Ursula vor jemand warnen will, wird ihre Arbeit zum Fischen im Dunkeln.
Schwierig für mich war es, mich an die isländische Höflichkeit zu gewöhnen, in der jeder jeden Duzt. Es fühlt sich sprachlich zunächst als vorgespielte Nähe an.
Inhaltlich fand ich die verschiedenen Kapitel mit wechselnden Hauptpersonen und Geschichten aus deren Sicht insgesamt stimmig. Anfangs waren Einzelne nicht recht in die Thematik einzuordnen und deren Erlebnisse schienen mehr Beiwerk als Geschichte zu sein – aber nach und nach passte alles ineinander. Ich mochte das eher geruhsame Tempo, in dem alles voranschritt, den Sprachstil und auch die Geschichte und besonders, dass keine Person gänzlich gut war, sondern alle auch Brüche in ihrem Leben hatten und sich ggfls. entwickeln konnten.
#Betrug #LiljaSigurdardottir #NetGalleyDE! #KathrinliebtLesen #Bookstagram #Rezension
February 2, 2021
Pour une fois, je suis un peu séchée. Qu’en dire ? C’est mon premier roman de cette auteur et je me suis demandée si j’avais loupé une série, mais non, c’est apparemment un one shot.
L’écriture est, comme on dit aujourd’hui, fluide, c’est à dire que le style est suffisamment soutenu pour témoigner d’une solide compétence d’écrivain et suffisamment simple pour ne pas sembler complaisant. Bref, rien à dire sur le style (ce qui n’est pas si courant, dois-je m’empresser d’ajouter).
Les personnages sont plutôt attachants, en particulier les personnages féminins. Le mari est inexplicablement très peu développé, ce qui est à mon avis un manque criant.
Pendant 80% du livre, je me suis demandé quand est-ce que ça allait démarrer. C’est le problème avec les ebooks, on ne sait pas trop où on en est et je me serai inquiétée avec un livre papier. Puis le dénouement arrive (enfin, on le voit arriver de super, super loin quand même) et voilà, c’est fini.
Trahisons m’a fait l’effet de ces petits vins de pays fort sympathiques, mais court en bouche. A peine une gorgée avalée que le goût et même le souvenir du goût se sont évanouis. C’est pas désagréable sur l’instant, ça peut rafraichir en été, mais c’est en définitive un peu plat.
Le quatrième de couverture évoque Borgen et c’est probablement la meilleure comparaison qu’on puisse faire. Ceux qui ont vu la série comprendront à quelle distance du coeur du genre “polar” on se trouve. Il n’y a pas d’enquête, et s’il y a crimes, ils sont évoqués en périphérie, comme s’ils n’appartenaient pas véritablement à l’intrigue. La résolution de ces crimes intervient donc presque par hasard, ce que j’ai trouvé frustrant. Ce que j’aime, dans le polar, c’est l’enquête, l’énigme avec une étude de moeurs en toile de fond. En l’espèce, c’est inversé. Les personnages sont au premier plan, l’intrigue est secondaire et le polar relégué au fond de la classe.
Je n’ai néanmoins rien à lui reprocher, et c’est ce qui me perturbe le plus. J’ai lu le roman assez rapidement selon mes critères, je n’ai pas levé les yeux aux ciels et même si les méchants, contrairement à ce qu’annonce l’éditeur, sont très soupçonnables, ça ne perturbe pas la lecture. C’est juste que, je ne sais pas, ça manque de souffle épique. D’un thème porteur.
L’écriture est, comme on dit aujourd’hui, fluide, c’est à dire que le style est suffisamment soutenu pour témoigner d’une solide compétence d’écrivain et suffisamment simple pour ne pas sembler complaisant. Bref, rien à dire sur le style (ce qui n’est pas si courant, dois-je m’empresser d’ajouter).
Les personnages sont plutôt attachants, en particulier les personnages féminins. Le mari est inexplicablement très peu développé, ce qui est à mon avis un manque criant.
Pendant 80% du livre, je me suis demandé quand est-ce que ça allait démarrer. C’est le problème avec les ebooks, on ne sait pas trop où on en est et je me serai inquiétée avec un livre papier. Puis le dénouement arrive (enfin, on le voit arriver de super, super loin quand même) et voilà, c’est fini.
Trahisons m’a fait l’effet de ces petits vins de pays fort sympathiques, mais court en bouche. A peine une gorgée avalée que le goût et même le souvenir du goût se sont évanouis. C’est pas désagréable sur l’instant, ça peut rafraichir en été, mais c’est en définitive un peu plat.
Le quatrième de couverture évoque Borgen et c’est probablement la meilleure comparaison qu’on puisse faire. Ceux qui ont vu la série comprendront à quelle distance du coeur du genre “polar” on se trouve. Il n’y a pas d’enquête, et s’il y a crimes, ils sont évoqués en périphérie, comme s’ils n’appartenaient pas véritablement à l’intrigue. La résolution de ces crimes intervient donc presque par hasard, ce que j’ai trouvé frustrant. Ce que j’aime, dans le polar, c’est l’enquête, l’énigme avec une étude de moeurs en toile de fond. En l’espèce, c’est inversé. Les personnages sont au premier plan, l’intrigue est secondaire et le polar relégué au fond de la classe.
Je n’ai néanmoins rien à lui reprocher, et c’est ce qui me perturbe le plus. J’ai lu le roman assez rapidement selon mes critères, je n’ai pas levé les yeux aux ciels et même si les méchants, contrairement à ce qu’annonce l’éditeur, sont très soupçonnables, ça ne perturbe pas la lecture. C’est juste que, je ne sais pas, ça manque de souffle épique. D’un thème porteur.
February 2, 2021
4.5 stars
Ursula has returned to Iceland after years as an aid worker in some of the most dangerous places on earth. Thinking that taking role as a Immigration and Justice Minister will allow her to make a difference; she quickly finds that the politics in her homeland of Iceland are almost as harrowing and dangerous as the aid work that she undertook overseas.
As the politics gets dirtier and Ursula’s life begins to fall apart; telling friend from foe is getting harder and harder. Will Ursula survive her role as a Minister or will she become victim to the ultimate betrayal?
I’m so excited that the queen of Nordic Noir, Lilia Sigurðardóttir; is back with this new novel, as it’s an absolute cracker that will have you on the edge of your seat.
As it typical of Sigurðardóttir’s writing, the chapters are short and jump between the main characters and their stories, leaving you unable to put the book down because you want to read on and see how it all comes together. With the addition of some well timed red herrings and explosive plot twists; you will think you know where the plot is heading only to realise you don’t until the mind blowing last few pages.
There are a lot of characters, and whilst this was a little overwhelming at the start due to the short chapters; you soon get to know who is who in the zoo and appreciate the way that Sigurðardóttir draws out their personalities and roles in Ursula’s life. This was clever in the way that it teases out the plot and makes you want to keep reading to find out where they are heading next.
Overall, this is a throughly enjoyable read that you won’t want to put down. It’s got all the fast placed thrills you’d expect from a Nordic Noir book whilst contemporaneously and cleverly teasing out the plot on a exquisitely suspenseful manner. The translation form Icelandic to English is flawless. Full credit to Quentin Bates for allowing so many more people to read this highly recommended book by my favourite Icelandic author.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram.
Ursula has returned to Iceland after years as an aid worker in some of the most dangerous places on earth. Thinking that taking role as a Immigration and Justice Minister will allow her to make a difference; she quickly finds that the politics in her homeland of Iceland are almost as harrowing and dangerous as the aid work that she undertook overseas.
As the politics gets dirtier and Ursula’s life begins to fall apart; telling friend from foe is getting harder and harder. Will Ursula survive her role as a Minister or will she become victim to the ultimate betrayal?
I’m so excited that the queen of Nordic Noir, Lilia Sigurðardóttir; is back with this new novel, as it’s an absolute cracker that will have you on the edge of your seat.
As it typical of Sigurðardóttir’s writing, the chapters are short and jump between the main characters and their stories, leaving you unable to put the book down because you want to read on and see how it all comes together. With the addition of some well timed red herrings and explosive plot twists; you will think you know where the plot is heading only to realise you don’t until the mind blowing last few pages.
There are a lot of characters, and whilst this was a little overwhelming at the start due to the short chapters; you soon get to know who is who in the zoo and appreciate the way that Sigurðardóttir draws out their personalities and roles in Ursula’s life. This was clever in the way that it teases out the plot and makes you want to keep reading to find out where they are heading next.
Overall, this is a throughly enjoyable read that you won’t want to put down. It’s got all the fast placed thrills you’d expect from a Nordic Noir book whilst contemporaneously and cleverly teasing out the plot on a exquisitely suspenseful manner. The translation form Icelandic to English is flawless. Full credit to Quentin Bates for allowing so many more people to read this highly recommended book by my favourite Icelandic author.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram.
June 29, 2020
Three goodreads stars is a little generous for this none-more-predictable Iceland thriller. For the full shebang, please click on:-
http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/B...
http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/B...
November 13, 2023
LOOOVED this one
October 10, 2020
I love an atmospheric thriller and this did not disappoint! It’s great to read about a strong female protagonist, especially one in a powerful political position. The scenery is gorgeous in this book and the different storylines weaving together make it an effortlessly easy and quick read. Not only are police corruption and PTSD touched on, the book also explores people hiding their secrets and how their true selves may not always be on show. Thank you to @annecater14 and @orendabooks for my copy!
January 31, 2023
I loved the Reykjavik Noir series by Sigurdardottir and was excited to see what standalone Betrayal would bring to the table. It’s an eclectic mix of Ebola backstory, witchery and politics with a strong sense of setting. Add to it a twisting, turning plot and you have a read you can storm through. Ursula is not quite Snare’s Sonja (Reykjavik Noir), but she has clearly been through a lot and is in a role of considerable power. Whilst all of the chief suspects were men (in fact was there any male who wasn’t potentially a suspect?) I was disappointed that the other women in the story were all weak, There was Eva, always on hand with a fresh blouse. Stella, the cleaner who sold trash and even the girlfriend of Gunnar whose name I can’t remember who seemed to be present just to prove what a patient guy Gunnar was. And was it me or was Greta, the only other female who had any sort of profession, constantly referred to as overweight? Rant aside, I liked the plot and enjoyed reading about the spells and runes that run through the various cultures. If you’re an Icelandic Noir fan I’ve no doubt you will enjoy Betrayal.
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