Harbor

Lindqvist has only written a few full length books, but every single time I read one by him, I am blown away. I completely understand why they call him the “Swedish Stephen King” even though I’m sure he doesn’t care for the comparison. Lindqvist is a much better writer than Stephen King, and that is saying a lot because I do love Stephen King! Lindqvist’s characters, dialogue, and story are all well thought out and addictive to read.Although the story does change perspectives throughout the chapters, the main focus of the story is on a man named Anders. Two years prior to present day, he and his wife and his daughter were visiting a lighthouse near the island that Cecilia and Anders had sort of grown up on. Anders’ father was from the island and he would visit him most summers. While this little family is at the lighthouse, their daughter (Maja) disappears. She didn’t fall through the ice or drown. Her footsteps lead off on the ice and then simply disappear. Two years later, after being separated from his wife and binge drinking daily, he comes back to the island. It seems that his daughter isn’t the only one to disappear under mysterious circumstances. There’s more going on, on this island, than meets the eye and Anders isn’t the only one to notice.The characters are full and rich. They feel like real people when you’re reading about them and as you witness them go through the events of the book, you feel even more of an attachment. As if you’re personally invested in these characters and this island. Each character has such an interesting background and they each bring something to the table, so to say.What I loved about this book was Lindqvist’s ability to force the reader to come to some conclusions on their own. It would have seemed out of place for the character to have sudden knowledge of things that I don’t think modern humans have an understanding of, at least that’s the implication. This book is much bigger than a mysterious island, and being forced to think beyond that made for a very enjoyable reading experience. It wasn’t just a cut and dry story and it certainly left me wanting to know more.Lindqvist is an excellent author and master of his craft. Although his books are generally considered to be horrors, to me, they are so much more beautiful than any horror story I’ve ever read. He manages to take commonly used horror elements and flip them on their side for us to see in new light. Harbor is a fantastic read and will not leave you disappointed!

Well written and good characters, but sadly the ending was poorly done. Felt rushed and unfinished. Not bad for the price.

Ever since I stumbled upon Let the Right One In, and found it one of the most unique and refreshing examples of modern horror that I had read in a long time, I have become a huge fan of John Ajvide Lindqvist. I read his wonderful collection of short stories that included a very satisfying sequel to Let the Right One In. There was also a follow-up to Handling the Undead in that collection that was an equally welcome extension and conclusion to that interesting take on the whole zombie apocalypse phenomenon that seems to be sweeping pop culture today. Harbor did not disappoint in the slightest, although it is significantly different from any of the previous Linqvist works I have read. It's very difficult to describe as the book alternates between stark reality and the supernatural. The setting, a fictional Swedish island in the Baltic Sea, is a critical element throughout the story. The book consists of a cast of characters that are complex and fully developed with a tremendous amount of insight into their inner turmoil. Most of all I absolutely love the author's storytelling style, which, despite the length of this book, makes it a quick and energetic read. Unfortunately I only have one more Lindqvist book to read before I have completed everything he's written to date. I've actually been holding off in the hope he's working on something new that will be released soon. Already he's one of my favorite contemporary authors, so obviously I recommend Harbor to you highly with no reservations whatsoever.

Written by the same author who gave us "Let the Right One In," this book demonstrates Lindqvist's biggest fault. Like Stephen King, who his books are often compared to, Lindqvist takes a LONG time getting to the story. Yes, the little girl vanishes almost immediately. In that, there is immedias rea, as the literary critics say.But, then ... it drags. And it drags for a while."Let the Right One In" was not a page turner from its style--a book always loses something in translation. But, it was a page turner in concept and story and, often, in its characterization."Harbor" is not a page turner at all--at least not for the first hundred or so. Instead, it's a slog to get to the point. A slog filled with interesting images and characters you WANT to like and become interested in, but it's just so ponderous.Like "Let the Right One In," it does get better as it gets nearer the end. Unlike the former book, however, it doesn't START strong.Is it worth it? Yes - if you're willing to push through it, are a fan of the writer and his style, and devour books with extreme avidity. If youre not ALL THREE of these things, however, it's going to be a tough go.Of course, some of this may lie in the translation. However, his other books are more gripping so I'd hazard that this is just a misstep and every author has one, some quite a few more than one.

John Ajvide Lindqvist is one of my favorite writers. He crafts wonderful, complex horror novels and I've never read anything else quite like his work.I've seen many disappointed with this book but I really connected to the characters and I really adored the narrative.I continue to believe Let the Right One In is his masterpiece and nothing has come close to that - but I really enjoyed reading Harbor. It is a beautiful, eerie book with a lot of emotional heartache.Where Little Star was completely outlandish (yet still engaging) - Harbor had a stream-lined plot with beautiful folklore and wonderful characters. I plan to read 'Handling the Undead' next - if you liked Let the Right One In, I highly recommend Harbor.I am not particularly fond of the horror genre but Lindqvist completely reinvents it - Harbor is a beautiful, engrossing book and it is worth your time.