French-scented Swedish Polar Explorer's Arctic Expedition
Covering the Montreal Mystery Literature Festival next weekend, we chatted with Johana Gustawsson, French crime novel sensation who'll grace the event as the guest of honor. Her latest book, "The Bites of Silence," is causing ripples worldwide.
Laila Maalouf, our crime-lit aficionado, got the lowdown from Johana at her Swedish abode. Here's a peek into the creative processes behind her thrilling tales set amid Nordic landscapes.
Nordic Crime Scenes: Goldmines for Crime Fiction?
Johana's pal Roxanne Bouchard, a fellow writer, gave her a peek into the captivating Quebec charm. This inspiration led to Johana crafting "The Folly," part of which unfolds in Quebec. But it was Sweden's serene yet brutal beauty that sparked her writing dreams.
In 2005, Johana espied a capsized boat washed ashore in a quaint coastal marina, setting her investigative heart racing. This unsettling sight, coupled with the region's enigmatic culture, proved the perfect breeding ground for her crime narratives.
Maïa: A French Police Commissioner in Sweden
"The Bites of Silence" sees Maïa, a French police commissioner, traversing Sweden, a role Johana, too, occupied after migrating with her family. Balancing home life with the intricacies of Sweden's social norms gave Johana an amusing vantage point to pen Maïa's story.
The Birth of "The Bites of Silence"
Inspired by personal experiences, global social issues, and an unsettling case in Spain, "The Bites of Silence" came into being. The novel touches upon Maïa’s struggles fitting into Sweden's culture, discussions on consent, and historical events.
As "The Bites of Silence" premiere approaches, crime fiction enthusiasts gather in Montreal, where Johana will be part of two discussions. The fest will host Martin Michaud, Steve Laflamme, Shari Lapena, Nita Prose, and a host of other renowned authors. Hop on over to the festival website for more details.
[1] Kristiansson, S. (2020, October 31). Johana Gustawsson: 'My characters are part of a much darker reality'. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/oct/31/johana-gustawsson-queen-of-french-noir-interview[2] Famularo, A. (2021, May 31). French author Joana Gustawsson talks crime, collaborations, and new series ahead of Montreal crime festival. Global News. Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/news/8291966/johana-gustawsson-crime-novels-montreal-festival/
- Johana Gustawsson, while discussing her latest book "The Bites of Silence," revealed that her interest in home-and-garden transformed into a profound fascination with the culture and lifestyle of Sweden, serving as the foundation for her crime fiction narrative.
- Balancing her personal life as a foreigner in Sweden and navigating its unique social norms, Johana Gustawsson drew inspiration for her character, Maïa, a French police commissioner, in her crime novel "The Bites of Silence."
- The Montreal Mystery Literature Festival, featuring renowned authors such as Martin Michaud, Steve Laflamme, Shari Lapena, Nita Prose, and Johana Gustawsson, promises an entertaining blend of books, culture, and lifestyle discussions, extending beyond the realm of sports into the world of crime fiction.
