The Girl Who Saved the King of Sweden by Jonas JonassonMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Jonas Jonasson is a fantastic writer because of his ability to combine politics, history, humour and absurd characters that are simultaneously admirable, exciting, flawed and interesting. The Girl Who Saved the King of Sweden embodies these ideals to the fullest, delivering a book that is great to read. It is thoroughly refreshing, entertaining and fun, a read you will definitely enjoy putting time into and which will be effortless.
The book is not flawless. I think there is a lot of subjectivity here, it has the humour and charm that specific people will enjoy. The scope of the story isn't too grand (though it does take unexpected turns), so the sense of wonder is somewhat diminished at points. Wonder is what Jonasson does best, so that took away from the experience a little.
It's not as good as his debut, "The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out of His Window and Disappeared" because it's missing the massive scale, the recognisable historical events spread over generations and the powerful intertwining of that with the central figure and his apolitical nature. That book was a powerful force that could knock the wind out of your lungs.
This is a more measured book. The skill behind it is undeniable, but the impact is muted. All in all, worth picking up if you like his style and want more.
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