Let The Right One In, written in 2004 originally in Swedish, has been translated into Danish, German, Dutch, Russian, English, Chinese and Finnish. After much success, there has been two films made based on the book, one in Swedish and one in English.
Time Spent Reading: 11.1 Hours.
Enjoyment Rating: 10/10
Overall Rating: 4/5
Genre: Horror
The book is set in the early 1980's in Sweden. The main character, who goes by the name of Oskar, is a 12 year old boy, who is bullied daily at school, and comes home to an empty house before his single mum gets home from work. Oskar becomes acquainted with a child his age, or what appears to be a child, named Eli. Eli has horrible hygiene, and Oskar doesn't quite know what to think of her. Turns out, Eli is in fact a vampire. She moves into the apartments next to Oskars, along with Hakan, who everyone thinks is Eli's dad. Hakan isn't Eli's father, Hakan is in love with Eli. He collects human blood for Eli, in return for her love. Hakan later in the book becomes the feared and hunted 'ritual killer'.
J.A.Lindqvist has done an exceptional job with this novel, making the characters and setting somewhat bleak, and yet the story so compelling you just cannot put it down. As the reader, you'll ask a lot of questions, some of these never do get answered, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Quite a few times whilst reading this book, I found myself squealing, and a bit uncomfortable at times too. Mainly, the part about being uncomfortable comes from the torment that Oskars receives from his bullies, every single day. I did thoroughly enjoy this book, and if you do read it, I suggest that after you finish, go back to the start and read the first couple of pages. It'll make you go 'OH'. That's what that meant.
One thing I was disappointed with was the ending. I think I'm a bit annoyed because I have so many questions. On the other hand, I wouldn't want him to write a sequel. I think from an authors point of view it's a good ending, but I was left a bit ticked off. Not to say this isn't an amazing book! I'd say it's up there in my favourites!
I really suggest you read this, NOW!
Alyssa. x
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