Book info

• Title The Girl Who Saved the King of Sweden
• Author Jonas Jonasson
• Year 2013
• Genre Humour

Just because the world ignores you, doesn’t mean you can’t save it... Nombeko Mayeki was never meant to be a hero. Born in a Soweto shack, she seemed destined for a short, hard life. But now she is on the run from the world ‘s most ruthless secret service, with three Chinese sisters, twins who are officially one person and an elderly potato farmer. Oh, and the fate of the King of Sweden – and the world – rests on her shoulders. As uproariously funny as Jonas Jonasson’s bestselling debut, this is an entrancing tale of luck, love and international relations.

Thoughts

I loved Jonasson’s first book and really enjoy the style of his writing so I was over the moon to read this book. It carries on in the familiar pattern, a lowly character at the start of the story goes through a series of bizarre events and ends up having an impact on a major figure in the end.

The style is so well woven, I find it really fun to read. It’s kind of abstract, and it feels like we’re reading about these people from a great distance - yet some areas are quite detailed whereas others are vague. The moments of humour often creep out of nowhere and surprise you, which makes it even better.

I can’t say too much about the story without spoiling it, but it’s amazing how such an implausible plot can be so believable when broken down into its smaller moments. Highly recommended.

Rating: 4 / 5