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Sanningen om ostrondykerskan
En feelgoodroman om vänskap, mod och sökandet efter sanningen. När författaren Inez Edmarks granne plötsligt går bort bestämmer hon sig för två saker – att döstäda sitt hus och att skriva sin sista bok. Men inte en roman den här gången, utan en personlig bekännelse: sanningen om ostrondykerskan. Så ramlar Inez och får problem med höften. Hon tvingas anlita städerskan Meja som under tre veckor ska hjälpa henne att rensa klart i huset. Enda regeln är att Meja inte på några villkor får öppna den blå mappen som innehåller hennes bokmanus. Mötet mellan Inez, som på ålderns höst måste försonas med sitt förflutna, och vilsna Meja, som söker en framtid, får oanade konsekvenser. Kommer de två kvinnorna, trots sina olikheter, att kunna hjälpa varandra?
350 pages, Hardcover
First published June 16, 2022
240 people are currently reading
3622 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
July 29, 2024
4.5★
The Oyster Diver's Secret is the first of Swedish author Caroline Säfstrand's novels to be published in English, and if this is representative of her body of work, I sincerely hope there are more to follow. It was such a welcome read - not exactly what I was expecting, but both heartwarming and satisfying all the same.
I'm a big fan of the concept of Swedish-death-cleaning, and that's what 70yo reclusive author Inez is attempting to do. It's not that she's sick or anything, but she's had a wake-up call in the form of the sudden death of her neighbour, and she knows it's a task her daughter Amelia would resent if she didn't take steps to reduce the clutter - piles of books, papers and photos - of her home in the coastal Swedish village just north of Helsingborg. Having fractured her pelvis falling off a stool, Inez contacts a local cleaning company to get someone to help her, Monday to Friday, for 3 weeks.
Enter Meja, the cleaner. In her late 30s, Meja has been drifting through life, unsure of what she wants to do and who she wants to be. She is insecure, in the most literal sense. She has a temporary job. Her two major relationships, with her mother Susanne and partner Johan, are unsatisfying. Although she's been living with Johan for some time, it's his apartment and the only stamp she's made on it is to hang a picture in the kitchen (which he rarely uses). Meja even looks insubstantial, according to Inez's first impressions.
But Meja is a good worker and an honest person, so Inez is happy with the work she's doing for the first few days. They settle into a routine and slowly get to know each other. But then Meja inadvertently breaks the only rule that Inez has set down for her, and everything changes.
This is a wonderful character-driven story about relationships: family, romantic, platonic and neighbourly. I really enjoyed the mellowing of Inez and the growth of Meja along the way. While plot is secondary, there's still a very satisfying mystery anchoring the story, pulling the reader along to the end.
Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Crossing for an eARC to read and review.
The Oyster Diver's Secret is the first of Swedish author Caroline Säfstrand's novels to be published in English, and if this is representative of her body of work, I sincerely hope there are more to follow. It was such a welcome read - not exactly what I was expecting, but both heartwarming and satisfying all the same.
I'm a big fan of the concept of Swedish-death-cleaning, and that's what 70yo reclusive author Inez is attempting to do. It's not that she's sick or anything, but she's had a wake-up call in the form of the sudden death of her neighbour, and she knows it's a task her daughter Amelia would resent if she didn't take steps to reduce the clutter - piles of books, papers and photos - of her home in the coastal Swedish village just north of Helsingborg. Having fractured her pelvis falling off a stool, Inez contacts a local cleaning company to get someone to help her, Monday to Friday, for 3 weeks.
Enter Meja, the cleaner. In her late 30s, Meja has been drifting through life, unsure of what she wants to do and who she wants to be. She is insecure, in the most literal sense. She has a temporary job. Her two major relationships, with her mother Susanne and partner Johan, are unsatisfying. Although she's been living with Johan for some time, it's his apartment and the only stamp she's made on it is to hang a picture in the kitchen (which he rarely uses). Meja even looks insubstantial, according to Inez's first impressions.
But Meja is a good worker and an honest person, so Inez is happy with the work she's doing for the first few days. They settle into a routine and slowly get to know each other. But then Meja inadvertently breaks the only rule that Inez has set down for her, and everything changes.
This is a wonderful character-driven story about relationships: family, romantic, platonic and neighbourly. I really enjoyed the mellowing of Inez and the growth of Meja along the way. While plot is secondary, there's still a very satisfying mystery anchoring the story, pulling the reader along to the end.
Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Crossing for an eARC to read and review.
July 25, 2025
A translated story of Sweden, and set on the Swedish coast, readers are introduced to Inez, a woman of a certain age who is rather full of herself. However, she must adjust her attitudes of superiority as she has come to the place where she needs help, and her daughter is "busy."
When I began this read, I didn't like Inez, and wanted the book to focus more on Meja, the woman she hires to help her. I kept sending unreceived signals to Meja to "Run! get your own book!" and worried that this would not end well. Meja herself has issues. The two together? Luckily they have neighbors (who reminded me of the neighbors in a Man Called Ove. . .relentlessly understanding of chronic grumping rudeness), who sense the hidden fears within each of these women.
To add to the equation before the narrative really takes off, there is a story within a story that needs untangling, and that's where the Oyster Diver comes in. . .I thought that would end one particular way. . .and it didn't. I love it when an author proves me wrong. . . .
Although oysters are featured in this tale, it isn't really about them. It's about relationships, what rules we impose on ourselves about the ways our lives have unfolded, the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves, and what it takes to help us change our minds, hearts and behaviors.
*A sincere thank you to Caroline Säfstrand, Amazon Crossing, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #TheOysterDiversSecret #NetGalley 25|52:32a
When I began this read, I didn't like Inez, and wanted the book to focus more on Meja, the woman she hires to help her. I kept sending unreceived signals to Meja to "Run! get your own book!" and worried that this would not end well. Meja herself has issues. The two together? Luckily they have neighbors (who reminded me of the neighbors in a Man Called Ove. . .relentlessly understanding of chronic grumping rudeness), who sense the hidden fears within each of these women.
To add to the equation before the narrative really takes off, there is a story within a story that needs untangling, and that's where the Oyster Diver comes in. . .I thought that would end one particular way. . .and it didn't. I love it when an author proves me wrong. . . .
Although oysters are featured in this tale, it isn't really about them. It's about relationships, what rules we impose on ourselves about the ways our lives have unfolded, the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves, and what it takes to help us change our minds, hearts and behaviors.
*A sincere thank you to Caroline Säfstrand, Amazon Crossing, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #TheOysterDiversSecret #NetGalley 25|52:32a
August 8, 2022
”Sanningen om ostrondykerskan” är ännu en helt ljuvlig roman av Caroline Säfstrand. Än en gång har hon skrivit en berörande berättelse. Vi får följa ett oväntat möte mellan två generationer som lockar fram sidor hos varandra som de tidigare hållit tillbaka eller varit omedvetna om. En berättelse om att våndas, prövas och utvecklas för att till slut våga se framåt och välja nya vägar i livet.
Ja, den här helt fantastiskt helt enkelt. Caroline är mästare på att skapa personligheter som man genast fastnar för, både huvudkaraktärerna Inez och Meja, ostrondykerskan Matilda som har en central roll och de underbara grannarna Filip och Sverker.
Det är fängslande, gripande och underhållande att följa karaktärernas liv genom toppar och dalar. En väldigt varm och fin roman om mod, vänskap och sökandet efter sanningen.🧡
Ja, den här helt fantastiskt helt enkelt. Caroline är mästare på att skapa personligheter som man genast fastnar för, både huvudkaraktärerna Inez och Meja, ostrondykerskan Matilda som har en central roll och de underbara grannarna Filip och Sverker.
Det är fängslande, gripande och underhållande att följa karaktärernas liv genom toppar och dalar. En väldigt varm och fin roman om mod, vänskap och sökandet efter sanningen.🧡
April 5, 2024
Translated from Swedish, this relationship focused book is set on the Swedish coast giving the book a great sense of place for those who enjoy reading books from around the world. Seventy-year old author Inez is at a retrospective point in her life and decides it’s about time to go through the piles she’s accumulated over the years in her cluttered house. She also wants to write her last book about her friend, the oyster diver, who mysteriously disappeared years ago and which continues to haunt her years later. But she needs help with decluttering as she recently hurt her hip attempting to reach shelves beyond her reach. Enter 37-year old Meja, who is sent by the company Inez reaches out to for a cleaner. Meja is rudderless, going through life blandly, not quite sure who she is or what she wants. This is a lovely and quiet moving book about relationships - between Inez and Meja, Inez and her daughter Amelia, Meja and her boyfriend Johan, Meja and her mother Susanne. It’s about introspection and choices, it’s about taking that tiny step despite trepidation that can make a world of difference, and it’s about how sometimes accepting a kind gesture can bring so much pleasure to the person extending the gesture and the reluctant recipient. Be warned that this is not a fast-paced book, and I’m glad it wasn’t. The story unfolds gently through Inez and Meja’s perspectives, which provides the opportunity for the reader to be in their shoes and be privy to their thoughts and struggles that drive their actions. I enjoyed this book for its storyline, character development, and evolving relationships and definitely recommend it. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 9, 2025
En feelgood som verkligen föll mig i smaken (jag är typ lite förvånad?) innehållande böcker, otroliga naturskildringar och lite spänning på det. Det var länge sen jag läste ut en bok på en dag men den här hade jag svårt att lägga ifrån mig för jag ville verkligen veta hur den skulle sluta!
August 28, 2023
Andra boken som jag läser av Säfstrand. Den är enkel att komma in i och innehåller flera olika karaktärer som snabbt blir lätta att bry sig om. Det är ganska vardagliga saker som händer, men bland dem finns allvarligare och svårare saker som karaktärerna måste handskas med.
Tycker speciellt om ”mysteriet” i den här boken; det får mig att vilja läsa mer och mer. Kan inte säga för mycket, men Säfstrand lyckas med att hålla det intressant ända in i slutet. Jag har läst två böcker av henne och jag har gråtit till båda. Bara det är väl ett tecken på att det är en bra bok? Rekommenderar!
Tycker speciellt om ”mysteriet” i den här boken; det får mig att vilja läsa mer och mer. Kan inte säga för mycket, men Säfstrand lyckas med att hålla det intressant ända in i slutet. Jag har läst två böcker av henne och jag har gråtit till båda. Bara det är väl ett tecken på att det är en bra bok? Rekommenderar!
February 19, 2025
Mmmmm jag tyckte jättemycket om den här boken. Mysig!!
June 9, 2024
Requested this from Netgalley a while back so felt obligated to read. The writing was good enough and at the beginning i was into the story, thought it would be more historical fiction and less chick lit-ish, because by the end it was just getting way too sappy for me. Did no one in this book work? They seemed to have all the time in the world to have parties/dinners/drinks all hours of the day
August 14, 2022
Caroline Säfstrand bara fortsätter imponera på mig med sitt skrivande. Den här boken var verkligen helt fantastisk, känslosam och i vanlig ordning alldeles underbar ❤️
March 26, 2025
Solid 4.25 stars. Complex female characters facing hardships as tough as oyster shells….would be a great movie!
June 22, 2022
"Sanningen om Ostrondykerskan" av Caroline Säfstrand utgiven av Forum förlag. Detta är första boken jag har läst av Caroline. Inez Edmark har bestämt sig för att rensa bland sina böcker och papper, men ramlar ner från en pall, och i fallet får hon en spricka i bäckenet. Då anlitar hon en städfirma, där Meja får uppdraget att hjälpa Inez med att röja. Inez är en författare som slutade att skriva för femton år sedan, och då drog hon sig tillbaka från rampljuset. Hon har dock ett manus kvar att skriva, "Sanningen om Ostrondykerskan", som hon tänker ge ut efter sin död. Men hon har inte räknat med att Meja skulle vända upp och ner på hela hennes liv, och snart börjar Inez öppna upp för en ny tillvaro. De båda udda personligheterna rensar, promenerar och samtalar. Efter att Meja fått strul på hemmaplan flyttar hon in till Inez. Inez får Meja att se sig själv i ett nytt ljus. Ska de båda kvinnorna följa sina hjärtan? Och vad hände egentligen den där dagen för länge sedan?
En väldigt mysig och vacker berättelse om vänskap. Den visar att man inte behöver vara lika gamla för att en nära vänskap ska uppstå. Meja är en person som från barndomen lärt sig att inte synas och ta plats på grund av att hennes mamma mest verkar tycka att Meja var i vägen, men Inez får henne att ändra stil och följa sitt hjärta och ta för sig mer av livet. Inez har ett komplicerat förhållande till sin dotter på grund av de val hon gjorde i när hon blev känd författare. Har hennes dotter sett sig förbisedd, medan hon följde med sin mamma på olika event runt om i världen? Berättelsen visar att det är aldrig försent att reda ut sin relation med sina närmaste. Den kan bli fin även i slutet av livet. Jag uppskattar de fina personligheterna och de fina tilltalande miljöskildringarna. Så vackert det målas upp där vid havet. Jag skulle också vilja bo grannar med de två killarna som bor bredvid Inez. De verkar ha sådan livsglädje, samtidigt som de verkar så genuina och mysiga. Jag vill verkligen läsa mer av författaren. Detta är en berättelse som inte kan lämna någon oberörd. Boken får ❤❤❤❤❤/5.
En väldigt mysig och vacker berättelse om vänskap. Den visar att man inte behöver vara lika gamla för att en nära vänskap ska uppstå. Meja är en person som från barndomen lärt sig att inte synas och ta plats på grund av att hennes mamma mest verkar tycka att Meja var i vägen, men Inez får henne att ändra stil och följa sitt hjärta och ta för sig mer av livet. Inez har ett komplicerat förhållande till sin dotter på grund av de val hon gjorde i när hon blev känd författare. Har hennes dotter sett sig förbisedd, medan hon följde med sin mamma på olika event runt om i världen? Berättelsen visar att det är aldrig försent att reda ut sin relation med sina närmaste. Den kan bli fin även i slutet av livet. Jag uppskattar de fina personligheterna och de fina tilltalande miljöskildringarna. Så vackert det målas upp där vid havet. Jag skulle också vilja bo grannar med de två killarna som bor bredvid Inez. De verkar ha sådan livsglädje, samtidigt som de verkar så genuina och mysiga. Jag vill verkligen läsa mer av författaren. Detta är en berättelse som inte kan lämna någon oberörd. Boken får ❤❤❤❤❤/5.
October 6, 2024
Not on holiday, but this book is perfect holiday reading. Set on the beautiful south Swedish coast,it’s a bit smalzy but easy reading that draws you in with a storyline that you want to know how it ends.
June 30, 2022
Caroline Säfstrand är en av mina släpper allt och låter deras böcker gå före alla andra (den andra är Jill Shalvis) Ända sedan jag läste Hemligheterna skafferi 2018 har jag haft henne som favorit.
Sanningen om ostrondykerskan gör mig inte besviken.. Jag gillar att man får följa hur både Meja och Ines utvecklas och blommar upp. Det finns ett vemod över boken så det är inte en fluffig feelgood men en bok som trots allt lämnar en varm känsla i hjärtat.
Sanningen om ostrondykerskan gör mig inte besviken.. Jag gillar att man får följa hur både Meja och Ines utvecklas och blommar upp. Det finns ett vemod över boken så det är inte en fluffig feelgood men en bok som trots allt lämnar en varm känsla i hjärtat.
August 10, 2024
What an incredible story
When I first started reading I wasn't sure I would finish. But as I got further into the story I found I couldn't stop. I was hooked. Thank you for such a wonderful story of love for friends and family.
When I first started reading I wasn't sure I would finish. But as I got further into the story I found I couldn't stop. I was hooked. Thank you for such a wonderful story of love for friends and family.
August 2, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC audiobook of The Oyster Diver's Secret.
I enjoyed the relationship between the two main characters Inez and Meja. This is a book that makes you think and examine things in our own life. Inez is in her seventies, and she is ready to get rid of things from her past. She begins the process of Swedish death cleaning. I thought this was an interesting concept. Preparing your house/life for when you pass away so that you are not a burden on your relatives. As she is going through this process, she is writing one last book that is a true story of her life.
Meja is a cleaner in her thirties that has been hired to help Inez declutter. Meja's life is stagnant. She goes to work, comes home to her boyfriend's place, and does her own thing while he plays video games. She is insecure and leads a life that does not cause ripples. Her mother and her have a very strained relationship and she has no friends.
As Meja and Inez work together a beautiful friendship forms. It is very strained in the beginning but as the book goes on it blossoms into two people navigating through uncharted territory.
I enjoyed the relationship between the two main characters Inez and Meja. This is a book that makes you think and examine things in our own life. Inez is in her seventies, and she is ready to get rid of things from her past. She begins the process of Swedish death cleaning. I thought this was an interesting concept. Preparing your house/life for when you pass away so that you are not a burden on your relatives. As she is going through this process, she is writing one last book that is a true story of her life.
Meja is a cleaner in her thirties that has been hired to help Inez declutter. Meja's life is stagnant. She goes to work, comes home to her boyfriend's place, and does her own thing while he plays video games. She is insecure and leads a life that does not cause ripples. Her mother and her have a very strained relationship and she has no friends.
As Meja and Inez work together a beautiful friendship forms. It is very strained in the beginning but as the book goes on it blossoms into two people navigating through uncharted territory.
February 10, 2025
Dedicated this past weekend to finishing reading The Oyster Diver's Secret after putting it off for a few months. It was incredible.
I didn't like that Mathilda and Inez turned out to be sisters, the chemistry was much too electric. There were several moments where I thought they were going to kiss and they didn't. Mathilda got rizz, ok?
I really don't find the whole "I would do anything for you" thing to be realistic for siblings, especially siblings separated for most of their lives. But that's probably because I don't have much of a relationship with either of my own siblings. I'll never know.
Lots of messy mother-daughter drama that struck home to me. I was relieved to see it resolved.
I'm glad that Meja found love, and loved even more that she put it off for a year of self growth first. Andreas is perfection.
And the neighbors, Sverker and Filip, a fantastic couple who love gardening, books, and good food. Invite me over for tea and scones sometime, yeah?
These characters stole my whole heart. I will definitely read this again.
I didn't like that Mathilda and Inez turned out to be sisters, the chemistry was much too electric. There were several moments where I thought they were going to kiss and they didn't. Mathilda got rizz, ok?
I really don't find the whole "I would do anything for you" thing to be realistic for siblings, especially siblings separated for most of their lives. But that's probably because I don't have much of a relationship with either of my own siblings. I'll never know.
Lots of messy mother-daughter drama that struck home to me. I was relieved to see it resolved.
I'm glad that Meja found love, and loved even more that she put it off for a year of self growth first. Andreas is perfection.
And the neighbors, Sverker and Filip, a fantastic couple who love gardening, books, and good food. Invite me over for tea and scones sometime, yeah?
These characters stole my whole heart. I will definitely read this again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2025
If there is one thing that almost always guarantees I will DNF a book, it’s when the author/character keeps telling the reader “I have a big secret. Just wait until the end of the book and you will find out what it is.”
I liked the writing style for the most part, but the story within the story was just distracting.
The audiobook narrator isn’t the worst I’ve heard, but I didn’t find her voice easy to listen to.
I liked the writing style for the most part, but the story within the story was just distracting.
The audiobook narrator isn’t the worst I’ve heard, but I didn’t find her voice easy to listen to.
August 26, 2024
LOVED this book and can’t recommend it enough. The growth we see from Inez and Meja through the story is amazing, and I really loved reading about healing mother-daughter relationships. Sometimes we all need a little push outside our comfort zone 🙂
I received copy of this book for Kindle in a Goodreads giveaway.
I received copy of this book for Kindle in a Goodreads giveaway.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2025
Captivating, inspiring, and thoughtful. I really enjoyed this story and the characters in it.
July 8, 2022
När jag lyssnat klart på det sista kapitlet konstaterar jag med ett leende att hon gjort det igen. Än en gång har Caroline Säfstrand har skrivit en helt fantastisk historia om vänskap, systerskap som ibland men inte nödvändigtvis beror på släktskap & olika slags kärlek genom liv som ganska så ofta innehåller vilsenhet, sorg, nystarter & känslan av att höra hemma någonstans. Liv som av tillfälligheter flätas ihop & bildar nya möjligheter & starka band.
En bok att bära med sig. Väl uppläst av Gunilla Leining. Har ni inte läst eller lyssnat på den här helt underbara historien, så gör det!
En bok att bära med sig. Väl uppläst av Gunilla Leining. Har ni inte läst eller lyssnat på den här helt underbara historien, så gör det!
May 23, 2024
En jättefin bok om vänskap <3
May 4, 2023
4,5 ⭐️
Jeg læste denne skønne sag på ingen tid, den var nærmest umulig at slippe, da jeg først kom i gang. Til gengæld er det en af den slags bøger med dybde, der rumsterer i baghovedet længe efter sidste side er vendt. @carolinesafstrand skriver både fængslende og stemningsfuldt, man kan virkelig mærke karaktererne og gradvist forstår man deres tanker, følelser og reaktioner. Jeg vil helst ikke spoile for meget, bogen skal læses, opleves, mærkes og nydes, det fortjener den.
En virkelig skøn, hjertevarm roman om et møde imellem 2 fremmede, der bliver livsforandrende for dem begge. Om altødelæggende hemmeligheder, mod, drømme, søgen efter sandheden, om det at finde sig selv og at lukke lyset og livet (og sandheden) ind, om de svære familierelationer, venskaber, naboer og kærlighed. Jeg sidder som læser tilbage med et smil på læben og tanken; at dybe venskaber måske er det smukkeste og stærkeste bånd, vi kan skabe her i livet ♥️
Det er den første bog jeg har læst af forfatteren, men jeg kommer helt sikkert til at læse flere…
Jeg læste denne skønne sag på ingen tid, den var nærmest umulig at slippe, da jeg først kom i gang. Til gengæld er det en af den slags bøger med dybde, der rumsterer i baghovedet længe efter sidste side er vendt. @carolinesafstrand skriver både fængslende og stemningsfuldt, man kan virkelig mærke karaktererne og gradvist forstår man deres tanker, følelser og reaktioner. Jeg vil helst ikke spoile for meget, bogen skal læses, opleves, mærkes og nydes, det fortjener den.
En virkelig skøn, hjertevarm roman om et møde imellem 2 fremmede, der bliver livsforandrende for dem begge. Om altødelæggende hemmeligheder, mod, drømme, søgen efter sandheden, om det at finde sig selv og at lukke lyset og livet (og sandheden) ind, om de svære familierelationer, venskaber, naboer og kærlighed. Jeg sidder som læser tilbage med et smil på læben og tanken; at dybe venskaber måske er det smukkeste og stærkeste bånd, vi kan skabe her i livet ♥️
Det er den første bog jeg har læst af forfatteren, men jeg kommer helt sikkert til at læse flere…
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March 6, 2023Har allt, slutar på ett oväntat sätt
November 28, 2025
Älskade denna bok från början till slut!
July 23, 2023
En skøn historie om at tilgive sin fortid, finde sin fremtid og blot nyde livet mens man har det.
Jeg kan godt lide Meja. Hun er en sød og mild person, men hun kunne godt trænge til et kærligt spark bagi. Et spark hvor der medfølger en vejledning til, at springe ud i de udfordringer hun møder på livets vej. Heldigvis skal det vise sig, at jobbet hos Inez hjælper hende på vej. Meja’s kæreste Johan synes nemlig, at Meja forandrer sig, mens hun arbejder hos Inez. Hun drikker vin på en hverdagsaften, er begyndt at læse, og stiller dybere spørgsmål. Spørgsmål til hverdagens gang og måske også til deres forhold, hvilket kan være det, der skræmmer ham.
Senere da Johan gør en ende på forholdet, og Meja pludselig er hjemløs, flytter hun ind hos Inez. Mens Inez skriver, passer Meja huset, og hun sørger for, at Inez får noget at spise. Inez går helt ind i selv under skriveprocessen, og får ikke meget mad og drikke, hvilket bekymrer Meja.
Jeg er vild med venskabet mellem de to kvinder, som gør dem begge godt. Især Meja lærer om livet, og bliver mere våget i sine handlinger. Hun bliver også venner med naboerne på begge sider af huset, og får øjnene op for fotografering. Hun får taget en masse billeder, og som tiden går, og andre ser og roser hendes motiver, indfinder interessen sig langsomt. Inez har været begravet i en puppe, og lukket helt af for omgivelserne. Hun finder også sin vej tilbage til omverdenen, og begynder at bevæge sig ud af huset og ind til byen igen, takket være Meja.
Igennem hele historien skriver Inez på en historie, som handler om den mystiske Mathilda. Hun skriver historien, fordi hun mener, at hun skylder hendes datter en forklaring. Søgningen efter Mathilda og fortællingen om hende, fortsætter igennem hele bogen. Først hører vi om den under skriveprocessen, og så fortsætter Meja søgningen, da hun bliver nysgerrig, og fordi hun gerne vil hjælpe Inez.
Og så slutter historier med et meget uventet twist.
Jeg kan godt lide Meja. Hun er en sød og mild person, men hun kunne godt trænge til et kærligt spark bagi. Et spark hvor der medfølger en vejledning til, at springe ud i de udfordringer hun møder på livets vej. Heldigvis skal det vise sig, at jobbet hos Inez hjælper hende på vej. Meja’s kæreste Johan synes nemlig, at Meja forandrer sig, mens hun arbejder hos Inez. Hun drikker vin på en hverdagsaften, er begyndt at læse, og stiller dybere spørgsmål. Spørgsmål til hverdagens gang og måske også til deres forhold, hvilket kan være det, der skræmmer ham.
Senere da Johan gør en ende på forholdet, og Meja pludselig er hjemløs, flytter hun ind hos Inez. Mens Inez skriver, passer Meja huset, og hun sørger for, at Inez får noget at spise. Inez går helt ind i selv under skriveprocessen, og får ikke meget mad og drikke, hvilket bekymrer Meja.
Jeg er vild med venskabet mellem de to kvinder, som gør dem begge godt. Især Meja lærer om livet, og bliver mere våget i sine handlinger. Hun bliver også venner med naboerne på begge sider af huset, og får øjnene op for fotografering. Hun får taget en masse billeder, og som tiden går, og andre ser og roser hendes motiver, indfinder interessen sig langsomt. Inez har været begravet i en puppe, og lukket helt af for omgivelserne. Hun finder også sin vej tilbage til omverdenen, og begynder at bevæge sig ud af huset og ind til byen igen, takket være Meja.
Igennem hele historien skriver Inez på en historie, som handler om den mystiske Mathilda. Hun skriver historien, fordi hun mener, at hun skylder hendes datter en forklaring. Søgningen efter Mathilda og fortællingen om hende, fortsætter igennem hele bogen. Først hører vi om den under skriveprocessen, og så fortsætter Meja søgningen, da hun bliver nysgerrig, og fordi hun gerne vil hjælpe Inez.
Og så slutter historier med et meget uventet twist.
July 22, 2024
🌅A bond unbreakable, a mystery to solve
I found The Oyster Diver's Secret a really appealing and thoughtful novel of women's fiction, about the bonds built between women and their ability to support and influence each other's lives. This was not a novel to read through quickly; I wanted to savor the author's atmospheric descriptions of a coastal Swedish summer and the more relaxed way of experiencing nature, friends and food. And these characters fascinated me, especially the two main characters, Inez and Meja.
Everyone in this story (maybe with the exception of Susanne's partner Bengt and neighboring couple Filip and Sverker) finds his or her life transformed in some way. I really liked the vibe that their journeys set leading up to the final, celebratory ending. Meja was probably my favorite character and I worried for her during the initial rough days when she found herself aimless and homeless, and rejoiced with her when she found her purpose and voice.
The story includes flashbacks to almost half a century prior, when Inez, as a young woman starting out on her own, found Mathilde, the eponymous oyster diver, and fell into a tight friendship that was abruptly severed. Mathilde inspired Inez to become a writer, and Inez has never gotten over Mathilde's disappearance. She tries writing a novel about them to find closure, but it's Meja who helps Inez find a real resolution to her sadness and isolation.
I liked that the story is constructed around Inez and Mathilde but ends up containing so much more, including mother-daughter and romantic relationships and a theme of going for your dreams and mending fences, even when it might seem too late.
I hope more of the author's work is translated because this is a writer I want to see more from.
Thanks to Amazon Crossing and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
I found The Oyster Diver's Secret a really appealing and thoughtful novel of women's fiction, about the bonds built between women and their ability to support and influence each other's lives. This was not a novel to read through quickly; I wanted to savor the author's atmospheric descriptions of a coastal Swedish summer and the more relaxed way of experiencing nature, friends and food. And these characters fascinated me, especially the two main characters, Inez and Meja.
Everyone in this story (maybe with the exception of Susanne's partner Bengt and neighboring couple Filip and Sverker) finds his or her life transformed in some way. I really liked the vibe that their journeys set leading up to the final, celebratory ending. Meja was probably my favorite character and I worried for her during the initial rough days when she found herself aimless and homeless, and rejoiced with her when she found her purpose and voice.
The story includes flashbacks to almost half a century prior, when Inez, as a young woman starting out on her own, found Mathilde, the eponymous oyster diver, and fell into a tight friendship that was abruptly severed. Mathilde inspired Inez to become a writer, and Inez has never gotten over Mathilde's disappearance. She tries writing a novel about them to find closure, but it's Meja who helps Inez find a real resolution to her sadness and isolation.
I liked that the story is constructed around Inez and Mathilde but ends up containing so much more, including mother-daughter and romantic relationships and a theme of going for your dreams and mending fences, even when it might seem too late.
I hope more of the author's work is translated because this is a writer I want to see more from.
Thanks to Amazon Crossing and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
April 3, 2023
Find anmeldelsen her: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cqj_tUcI8iV/
Tusind tak til @alphaforlag og @carolinesafstrand for anmeldereksemplaret!
I dag udkommer “Sandheden om havets døtre” af Caroline Säfstrand. Jeg har tidligere læst og anmeldt en lang række af forfatterens bøger og været begejstret for dem, og derfor var jeg også spændt på denne. Heldigvis sidder jeg tilbage med en god følelse efter at have læst “Sandheden om havets døtre”.
Da Inex Edmarks nabo dør, beslutter hun sig for at rydde op i sit hus og skrive en sidste bog. Denne gang bliver det ikke en roman som hun plejer, men derimod en personlig tilståelse. Sandheden om havets døtre. En dag falder Inez og får problemer med hoften, så hun ansætter Meja, der er rengøringsdame.
Caroline Säfstrand er utroligt dygtig til at beskrive smukke omgivelser og miljøer. Hun kan bestemt sætte den helt rette stemning i enhver hyggelig situation.
I romanen møder vi Inex og Meja, der er fra to forskellige generationer. Deres møde med hinanden er interessant og lærerigt for begge karakterer. Måske former det et nyt venskab for de to. Netop karakterbeskrivelser, er også noget Caroline Säfstrand er super dygtig til.
Dette er en dejlig, hjertevarm roman. Det er hyggelig læsning, du kan slappe af med.
Romanen er letlæst. Sproget er behageligt og matcher det rolige tempo i bogen.
Romanen er oversat fra svensk til dansk af dygtige Rikke Toft (@rikkesbogkammer ).
“Sandheden om havets døtre” af Caroline Säfstrand er en utroligt hyggelig og fin roman i sand Caroline Säfstrand-stil. En super hyggelig feelgoodroman. Du kan ikke undgå at komme i godt humør af en Caroline Säfstrand roman.
Antal stjerner af 6: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tusind tak til @alphaforlag og @carolinesafstrand for anmeldereksemplaret!
I dag udkommer “Sandheden om havets døtre” af Caroline Säfstrand. Jeg har tidligere læst og anmeldt en lang række af forfatterens bøger og været begejstret for dem, og derfor var jeg også spændt på denne. Heldigvis sidder jeg tilbage med en god følelse efter at have læst “Sandheden om havets døtre”.
Da Inex Edmarks nabo dør, beslutter hun sig for at rydde op i sit hus og skrive en sidste bog. Denne gang bliver det ikke en roman som hun plejer, men derimod en personlig tilståelse. Sandheden om havets døtre. En dag falder Inez og får problemer med hoften, så hun ansætter Meja, der er rengøringsdame.
Caroline Säfstrand er utroligt dygtig til at beskrive smukke omgivelser og miljøer. Hun kan bestemt sætte den helt rette stemning i enhver hyggelig situation.
I romanen møder vi Inex og Meja, der er fra to forskellige generationer. Deres møde med hinanden er interessant og lærerigt for begge karakterer. Måske former det et nyt venskab for de to. Netop karakterbeskrivelser, er også noget Caroline Säfstrand er super dygtig til.
Dette er en dejlig, hjertevarm roman. Det er hyggelig læsning, du kan slappe af med.
Romanen er letlæst. Sproget er behageligt og matcher det rolige tempo i bogen.
Romanen er oversat fra svensk til dansk af dygtige Rikke Toft (@rikkesbogkammer ).
“Sandheden om havets døtre” af Caroline Säfstrand er en utroligt hyggelig og fin roman i sand Caroline Säfstrand-stil. En super hyggelig feelgoodroman. Du kan ikke undgå at komme i godt humør af en Caroline Säfstrand roman.
Antal stjerner af 6: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 25, 2024
Thank you Netgalley & Amazon Crossing for an eARC ♥️
As someone who has a soft spot for Scandinavian literature, I was immediately drawn to the atmospheric setting of the Swedish coast. But it was the story of Inez and Meja's unlikely friendship that truly captured my heart.🥹
And can I just say that the cover of this book is absolutely mesmerising? The hauntingly beautiful image of the sea and the subtle hint of the oyster diver's presence... it's like a work of art that draws you in and refuses to let go.
Inez, a 70-year-old author, is like the wise aunt I never had. Her struggles to come to terms with her past and find meaning in her life resonated deeply with me. And Meja, oh Meja... her lostness and longing is something I think we can all relate to at some point in our lives.
The way the author weaves their stories together is nothing short of magic. It's like watching a sunset over the ocean - breathtakingly beautiful, yet tinged with sadness.
I love how Scandinavian literature often explores the human condition in a way that's both poignant and profound, and this book is no exception. It's a reminder that we're never too old to change, never too lost to find our way again. And that sometimes, all it takes is a friend to help us see the light.♥️
As someone who has a soft spot for Scandinavian literature, I was immediately drawn to the atmospheric setting of the Swedish coast. But it was the story of Inez and Meja's unlikely friendship that truly captured my heart.🥹
And can I just say that the cover of this book is absolutely mesmerising? The hauntingly beautiful image of the sea and the subtle hint of the oyster diver's presence... it's like a work of art that draws you in and refuses to let go.
Inez, a 70-year-old author, is like the wise aunt I never had. Her struggles to come to terms with her past and find meaning in her life resonated deeply with me. And Meja, oh Meja... her lostness and longing is something I think we can all relate to at some point in our lives.
The way the author weaves their stories together is nothing short of magic. It's like watching a sunset over the ocean - breathtakingly beautiful, yet tinged with sadness.
I love how Scandinavian literature often explores the human condition in a way that's both poignant and profound, and this book is no exception. It's a reminder that we're never too old to change, never too lost to find our way again. And that sometimes, all it takes is a friend to help us see the light.♥️
July 29, 2024
This is a poignant novel about a reclusive, retired fiction author who decides to write one more story. This one, however, is autobiographical and tells the story of herself as a young lady and her best friend at the time. As she is writing and dealing with the feelings of returning to the past, her current life takes some interesting turns. She hires a cleaner to help her declutter her home, and she recognizes many characteristics of her novel characters in her. As their relationship develops, our main character might just find that there are still things in her own life worth living for and taking an interest in.
I appreciated the character-driven aspects of this novel. The plot was not too intense and the pacing was easy, but the characters were drawn with a skilled and vivid brush. Each of them had depth, flaws, strengths, back stories,, you name it. I especially liked the sometimes complicated relationships between the women in this book, and I think female readers will identify with many of them. There's also a touch of intrigue and a small bit of romance that adds an additional layer to explore. I would highly recommend this novel to readers of women's fiction and anyone who is looking to explore the idea of friendship in its many forms.
I appreciated the character-driven aspects of this novel. The plot was not too intense and the pacing was easy, but the characters were drawn with a skilled and vivid brush. Each of them had depth, flaws, strengths, back stories,, you name it. I especially liked the sometimes complicated relationships between the women in this book, and I think female readers will identify with many of them. There's also a touch of intrigue and a small bit of romance that adds an additional layer to explore. I would highly recommend this novel to readers of women's fiction and anyone who is looking to explore the idea of friendship in its many forms.
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