A couple weeks ago I finished reading the novel Astrid & Veronika by Swedish author Linda Olsson, who currently resides in New Zealand. It was a book I had picked up at a used book sale in Milwaukee this past summer. Honestly, the main reason I bought it was because my name was in the title. I had never heard of the author before, but the story intrigued me. Set in Sweden, the novel is essentially about the deep relationship created when Astrid, an elderly woman, meets Veronika, a woman in her 20s. As the novel unfolds, the reader discovers more and more about the joys and tragedies each woman carries with her. Through this unique relationship, both women are able to face their respective painful memories and rediscover a passion for life.

Olsson’s writing was very approachable. She includes several excerpts from Swedish poems, such as Karin Boye’s “Stackars unge” (“Poor little child”), which is where the novel’s original title Let Me Sing You Gentle Songs originates. For me, Astrid & Veronika was a serendipitous find. It was the right thing to read at the right time, although I’m not exactly sure I can explain why. After having a rough Fall semester in grad school, this book made me feel refreshed and ready to take on a new year. I highly recommend it as a quick, but emotionally touching read. I’ll probably read it again sometime, and I honestly don’t say that about most of the books I read.