THE RATS (RÅTTPOJKEN)

Maria Ek’s debut novel is a masterful blend of compelling characters, evocative writing, and a moving portrait of life in rural Roslagen, set in a timeless landscape where secrets abound and the past casts long shadows. 

Set in the deep forests of Roslagen, north of Stockholm, where the silent pine trees stand guard over dilapidated farms, this compelling literary debut novel introduces the reader to a trio of unforgettable characters.

We meet Sven, recently retired on medical grounds, who finds solace in nature and the companionship of his loyal dog, Lukas, as he ponders the big questions in life. As darkness and cold seep through the cracks in the walls of his farmhouse, strange noises fill the night – a rustling and gnawing that disturbs the peace, causing Sven’s mood to spiral. Enter Börje, the local rat exterminator and Sven’s only friend, who comes to the rescue, perhaps to deal with Sven’s increasingly sombre mood as much as the rat problem. Then, as Sven’s estranged sister, Britt, gets back in touch after many years, her arrival in Herräng set events in motion that will lead to devastating revelations, and, in the end, threaten to unearth long-buried secrets for all three. 

However, there is another mystery brewing in the small community. When Sven and Börje’s neighbour and friend Viola mysteriously vanishes from her house, whispers in the community turn into a chorus of suspicion. Did Viola get herself lost on the bleak fells, or has someone caused her to go missing? 

Maria Ek’s debut novel is a masterful blend of compelling characters, evocative writing, and a moving portrait of life in a backwater community set in a timeless landscape where secrets abound and the past casts long shadows. This gripping tale with themes of belonging, loneliness, and the effects of intergenerational trauma, will doubtlessly captivate readers’ hearts and minds.  

Rights

Sweden: Romanus & Selling

REVIEWS

“…a mature and distinctive debut that straddles the line between psychological thriller, working-class portrait and horror. … [It’s] a fine novel about loneliness and ageing… a pure pleasure to read.”
Borås Tidning / SWE

“In THE RATS, the relationship between human and animal takes new dimensions… It’s incredibly moving and beautifully portrayed… Besides, THE RATS is exceptionally well-written. Every turn of phrase feels apt, and not a word is left to chance. This is a story that will stay with me for a long time.”
Landskrona Posten / SWE 

“A debut well worth reading. This is a unique story, and that’s really quite a rare thing… [Here’s] an author that offers something distinctive, with writing that brings the setting and characters to life… a delight to read. Make sure to mark the publication date!” 
Kapprakt / SWE 

“A unique story, absorbing and mysterious while being familiar and gripping… [The author] captures my reading interest from beginning to end… [It’s] special, dark and frightening, yet relatable. I will follow Maria Ek’s authorship with great interest.”
Basilica blogg / SWE