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Written by Reading Recluse on 2025-01-12 at 18:43

📘 "The True Deceiver" by Tove Jansson, translated from Swedish into English by Thomas Teal

I grew up on the Moomins, but only recently learned that Jansson also wrote adult books. This is the first of those that I've read and I loved it.

I read it over a few snowy days here -very fitting for the wintery setting of the book. I think this is one of those books that's best enjoyed not knowing a lot about ot beforehand, so I'll remain very vague.

The True Deceiver is set in a small town. It focuses on the ways people not only deceive each other, but themselves most of all. Should we trust ourselves more than others? Do we have a responsibility to point out every form of deception? If we can, should we?

I have no qualms with lying to strangers or in particular settings to get by and survive, but I'm very honest with people I care deeply about. Too honest, probably, as I often (accidentally) trample on some sensitive nerves. I can't let any form of questionable truth, hypocrisy, obliviousness or deception go. I get that that makes me a menace at times, and I'm forever unsure if I'm doing myself or my loved ones a favor. Can't I just let stuff go? Wouldn't that be more peaceful? This book thought it was fun to pull that same shit on me. It suits me, though, and made me reflect a lot.

Most likely I'll reread this book and see how my perspective on it shifts over the years. For now I love it dearly and I assume I'll get something new out of it with every read.

[#]AmReading #WomenInTranslation #books #bookstodon #fiction

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Toot

Written by Daniel on 2025-01-12 at 23:10

@reading_recluse Oh wow this sounds really good!

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