Description
Book SynopsisAn early gem from the creator of the Kurt Wallander series, charting the life of a principled man through tragedy, heartbreak, true love and the battle for a nation''s soul.
A very engaging portrait . . . There is a powerful lack of sentimentality to the telling of the story [and] a lovely and genuinely moving love story at the heart of the book. Liam Heylin, Irish Examiner
At 3 p.m. on a Saturday afternoon in 1911, Oskar Johansson is caught in a blast in an industrial accident. The local newspaper reports him dead, but they are mistaken.
Because Oskar Johansson is a born survivor.
Though crippled, Oskar finds the strength to go on living and working. The Rock Blaster charts his long professional life - his hopes and dreams, sorrows and joys. His relationship with the woman whose love saved him, with the labour movement that gave him a cause to believe in, and with his children, who do not share his ideals.
Trade Review
One of Scandinavia's finest writers. -- Ian Rankin.
He is in the great tradition of those whose works transcend their chosen genre to become thrilling and moral literature. -- Michael Ondaatje
A literary writer of considerable accomplishment. -- Barry Forshaw * Independent. *
In life and in art Henning Mankell was a man of passionate commitment. -- Kenneth Brannagh
Mankell is the master. -- Viv Groskop
Mankell's fierce instinct for social criticism is admirable. -- Mike Peed * New York Times. *
Mankell writes with both a social conscience and great humour. -- Sarah Compton * Daily Telegraph. *
An excellent craftsman. -- Joanna Kavenna
Provides a fascinating preview of the psychology of Kurt Wallander who was to become Mankell's most famous creation * Shots Magazine *
A very engaging portrait . . . There is a powerful lack of sentimentality to the telling of the story [and] a lovely and genuinely moving love story at the heart of the book. -- Liam Heylin * Irish Examiner *
