After the Fire

Fredrik Welin is a 70-year-old retired doctor. Years ago he retreated to the Swedish archipelago where he lives alone on an island. He swims in the sea every day cutting a hole in the ice if necessary. He lives a quiet life. Until he wakes up one night to find his house on fire. Fredrik escapes just in time wearing two left-footed wellies as neighbouring islanders arrive to help douse the flames. All that remains in the morning is a stinking ruin and evidence of arson. He cannot think who would do such a thing or why. Without a suspect the police begin to think he started the fire himself. Tackling love loss and loneliness After the Fire is Henning Mankell’s compelling last novel.