You could say, Henning Mankell writes police procedural novels set in Sweden. That may be like saying Leo Kottke plays guitar. Henning Mankell builds a world around detective Kurt Wallander and lets us experience it through Wallander's sense and sensibilty. Most recently I have read The Fifth Woman, originally published in 1996 in Swedish and in this translation in the US in 2000. A shiny new mass market edition was published in the US in 2010, one copy on the shelves now at Anchor.
As you read this tightly plotted, up tempo crime fiction novel, you are immersed in the day to day activities of the sleep deprived, grieving detective but a part of your consciousness is reminded of literature teachers of the dim past. There is a reason writers write, there is an idea, a kernel. Enjoy the wrapping but be aware of the essential matter.
The story is good, the characters mostly sympathetic, some simply pathetic. It is crime fiction after all. The Austin American-Statesman announced on the the cover, "YOU CAN'T PUT IT DOWN." I believed them and did not put it down often. A side benefit of this not putting down is sharing sleep deprivation with Wallander. But Mankell gives us more than the long suffering policeman. The first I heard of Wallander was a reference from a friend. When he spoke of this fictional character I thought he was talking of another friend. There is size and shape to this man and you are included in his life for the duration. Wallander worries about his team, advances his case, learns about his family, looks after his child, and, emerges to resolution. In his reminiscences of his mentor an essence emerges, don't miss it.
Possibly heartening glimpses of commonality in modern society around the world also shine through the conversations and tribulations of the characters. Perhaps we are more alike than not, more in common than indifferent or in differences. One jarring note was the world weariness of Wallander in his forties. We should all have that problem. Another smaller speed bump is the idea of a Swede driving a Peugeot, perhaps an homage to Inspector Columbo.
Henning Mankel novels can be found in the mystery ranks at Anchor Books and Coffee. Don't delay, there are other readers out and about who come around searching out Mankell. We have several in stock now but that is not always the case.
