Author(s): Henning Mankell (tr from Swedish Laurie Thompson))

May 2009 Highlights

Once a successful surgeon, Frederick Welin now lives in self-imposed exile on an island in the Swedish
archipelago. Nearly twelve years have passed since he was disgraced for attempting to cover up a tragic
mishap on the operating table. One morning in the depths of winter, he sees a hunched figure struggling
towards him across the ice. His past is about to catch up with him.
Italian Shoes is as compelling as it is disturbing. Through his anti-hero Welin, Mankell tackles ageing and
death with sensitivity and acuity, and as with the critically acclaimed Depths, delivers a moving tour-de-force on the frailty of mankind.

First published in Swedish 2006; this translation 2009.