Family Clause

A bad-tempered grandfather is back in Stockholm to see his adult children. The son is a failure, the daughter is having a baby with the wrong man, and their mother is a heartless deserter. Only he, the patriarch, is perfect. Over ten intense days, the strained relationships of this chaotic but entirely normal family unfold, and painful memories begin to resurface. Something has to give, but the son is duty-bound to his father by a murky, years-old agreement. The dynamics of each relationship are complex, and Khemiri's wry, comic touch gives a lightness to the inevitability as the children follow in their father's footsteps.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2021
Publisher: Vintage Publishing

A novel of remarkable boldness and depth, Dinaw Mengestu's "The Shadow King" is a captivating exploration of the intricacies of family relationships.

Set in Stockholm, the story revolves around a bad-tempered grandfather who returns to his adult children after living abroad. His son is a failure, his daughter is expecting a baby with the wrong man, and their mother is a heartless deserter. Despite his imperfections, the patriarch believes himself to be perfect, at least in his own eyes. Over the course of ten intense days, the strained dynamics of this chaotic but entirely normal family come to the forefront, unleashing painful memories and forcing them to confront the realities of their past.

What makes "The Shadow King" truly exceptional is its intricate portrayal of the complex relationships within the family. Each character is fully realized, with their own flaws, motivations, and struggles. The author's wry, comic touch adds a lightness to the inevitability of the children following in their father's footsteps, despite the gravity of the situation.

The Guardian praised the novel for its "excellent" portrayal of a family that is both identifiable and distinctive. The story's blend of normal and strange elements creates a relatable and memorable portrait of a family that readers will find themselves drawn to.

The London Review of Books also lauded the book, describing it as a "complex portrait of a family that is both identifiable and distinctive." The author's ability to capture the nuances of family dynamics is praised, as is the novel's ability to evoke emotions and leave a lasting impact.

In conclusion, "The Shadow King" is a bold and remarkable novel that delves deep into the complexities of family relationships. With its intricate portrayal of characters, wry humor, and emotional depth, this book is sure to resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Weight: 230g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781784709563