The Guests by Agnes Ravatn

Nothing to recommend here.

The publisher labels this "simmering Nordic psychological suspense" when it is a tame story about a woman who lies to cover massive insecurity. Many domestic heroines today are so overwhelmed by inferiority they flail in exrtra drama, as if this is likable or relatable to the reader.

Married couple Karin and Kai run into a woman she went to school with. Iris was the narcissistic bully who made her teens Hell and is now a successful actress married to an accomplished online developer, so of course, the couple accepts an invitation to stay at their cottage. The offer of a free vacation is just what they need, but the real reason is builder Kai can replace their aged boat jetty in kind. The exclusive enclave is almost too rich for Karin; they are rubbing her nose in it. She's not going to let Iris win. Walking the archipelago, she meets neighbor Per, who reminds her she is on private property. So insulted, she claims they are the wealthy new owners of the cottage, so far above all his nonsense. Per is a well-known author, and his wife Hilma is an internationally renowned novelist; in fact, Karin's favorite writer. In over her head, she continues to lie and manipulate, even as they invite the couple to dinner, even after Karin gets the chance to read the new Hilma manuscript, years in the making. An honour, but she doesn't bother to read it; she sticks it under the couch cushions—too obsessed with the fantasy Kai and Iris are actually having an affair.

It's hard to feel sorry for someone when she is an narcissistic liar. Condescending and actually full of rage, she denigrates Hilma's work and belittles her success, talking down to her as if nothing could meet Karin's high standards. Trying to act elite, she is just puerile in blaming others for her failings.

Psychological, yes, but certainly not suspenseful or even pleasant.

2022 (translated 2024) / Tradeback / 224 pages