Stolen

Stolen is an extraordinary novel. A coming-of-age-story you'll get lost in, about youth and heritage and the never-ending struggle to be allowed to exist. Although set in the coldest and most northern part of Scandinavia, I'm convinced its a universal story to be loved everywhere in the world -- FREDRIK BACKMAN, author of A MAN CALLED OVE The simple storytelling, told through the eyes of a child, lurches into the brooding darkness of a thriller, with more than a touch of Nordic noir * independent.co.uk * Ann-Heln Laestadiuss debut novel for adults highlights the discrimination Swedens ethnic minority Sami have suffered over the years for their determination to pursue a traditional lifestyle as reindeer herders * GUARDIAN * Extraordinarily good ... A gripping and moving work of literary fiction ... Stolen promises to be the catalyst for a greater global awareness of the range of issues facing the Smi. First and foremost, its a terrific novel * NEW EUROPEAN * Her mastery of imagery is second to none * LITRO * An epic, multi-generational tale ... Stolen is a clear-eyed, sometimes shocking account of the persecution of a people whose language has been restricted, their culture repressed and land taken from them. Laestadiuss description of the layers of trauma passed down the generations is particularly affecting * NEW HUMANIST * Its with laudable subtlety that Laestadius depicts the stresses and strains unique to a people trying to stay true to their ancient way of life while coping with prejudice, persecution and the unfolding impact of global heating * OBSERVER * The heart, and the great appeal, of this novel is its empathetic portrait of a young woman who flourishes in this harsh, but beautiful, landscape ... Highlights the paradox of being oppressed in one of the most egalitarian countries in the world ... Laestadius has a keen eye for ... the elemental hardship of life on the edge of a wilderness * FINANCIAL TIMES * A moving and powerful exploration of the Smi community ... This eye-opening, explorative insight into the Smi community and a personal journey for the author has had a profound and lingering effect on me as a reader. * BUZZMAG * It possesses a strong narrative drive and offers an immediacy and accessibility that allows an unhindered glimpse into the experience of modern-day Sami, making a convincing and fervent argument for greater protection of their land-tied way of life * GEOGRAPHICAL * Has struck a chord worldwide * NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC * An atmospheric tale, both beautiful and cruel * CRIME MONTHLY * Beautiful and devastating, Stolen shines a powerful and important light on the Smi community and the growing challenges they face in a changing world -- CAROLE JOHNSTONE, author of MIRRORLAND In this moving crime novel Laestadius helps us comprehend what a terrible trauma for the Sami people this clash of cultures represents, and to bear witness to the erosion of their cherished way of life * MORNING STAR * Viscerally clear fiction of both the fractured, violent nature of the Smis relationship with their Nordic occupiers and the coming of age of an innocent girl. Written with such cool clarity, Stolen is a perfect metaphor of our slippery grip on humanity and our tenuous relationship with the Earth -- TANYA TALAGA, bestselling author of SEVEN FALLEN FEATHERS Smi author Ann-Heln Laestadius has written a fresh, devastating, and insightful novel about Smi life and the struggle for justice in a rapidly changing world. A love for the imperiled landscape reverberates throughout this engaging read -- MEGAN MAYHEW BERGMAN, author of HOW STRANGE A SEASON Stolen is in equal measure a gripping and thrilling mystery as it is a testament to the continued beating heart of Smi life. Ann-Heln Laestadius takes her place as an important voice in world Indigenous literature -- MICHELLE GOOD, author of FIVE LITTLE INDIANS Laestadiuss nuanced English-language debut is a story

Ann-Heln Laestadius is an author and journalist from Kiruna, Sweden. She is of Smi and Tornedalian descent, two of Swedens national minorities. Published in Sweden in January 2021, Stolen is Laestadiuss first adult novel. A national number one bestseller in Sweden, it has been sold into twenty-two territories and has been voted the Book of the Year. Laestadius has also been awarded the Adlibris Award for best novel, the Your Book Our Choice Prize given by the Swedish Association for Bookstore Employees, and the Vsterbottens-Kuriren Culture Prize. She lives with her family in Solna outside of Stockholm. Stolen is being adapted for a major film for Netflix, to be released in 2024.