The Girl Who Saved the King of Sweden, by Jonas Jonasson
Translator: Rachel Willson-Broyles
Published by Fourth Estate, 24th April 2014
Genres: Contemporary fiction, humour
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
Synopsis
Just because the world ignores you, doesn’t mean you can’t save it…
For Nombeko Mayeki, born in a shack in Soweto, South Africa’s largest slum, the future was not looking so bright. But this is the story of how being run over can sometimes be a good thing. How else would Nombeko have learned all about the production of atomic bombs, emigrated to Sweden as a refugee and been on the run from one of the most ruthless intelligence agencies in the world? All in the company of three Chinese sisters, a Vietnam veteran, twins who are officially one person and a Baroness with a potato farm.
And ultimately, the fate of the King and the Prime Minister of Sweden come to rest on her shoulders as well!
My thoughts
If you loved The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared, then you will not be disappointed in this second book by Jonas Jonasson. This is another humorous story full of hilariously unlikely happenings and some really ridiculous characters.
I loved Jonasson’s writing in both books. There is something very matter-of-fact in the way he writes, which comes across as a really dry sense of humour. I think this is even more impressive when you read these books in translation. The translator does an amazing job of relating Jonasson’s unique style, but still making it coherent in English.
The cast of characters is brilliant and quite ridiculous. As is the series of events that lead to the kidnapping of the Swedish King! I can’t say much more about it, except that you should read this book. It will make you laugh!
My rating: 4/5