Some lovely textural observation and memory portrayed with affectionate amusement and occasional flights of fancy. The story, set in the far north of Sweden, near the Finnish border, nevertheless had strong resonances for me, having grown up in approximately the same timeframe in Australian country towns. Being one of the guys who wants to play in a band, when the accepted male behaviour is boasting, drinking, and attempting to outstay your companions in a scorching hot sauna, rang very familiar. Ultimately I was a little disappointed that the novel is essentially a string of anecdotes. I wanted something that had a little more ambition and structure to it, but I'd still make it a recommended read.