Feb 2019 group read- Let the Right One In

[Graeme]

I can't judge the original Swedish, but the English language version could have been written by a native speaker.

I.e. The translation was excellent, seamless, spot on.

[Terry]

Kel wrote: "After seeing the Swedish film in a film festival, I read this book and would love to contribute in the discussion. It remains one of my favorites. I remind myself when reading any translation that ..."

I'd wondered about that. Glad to hear it reflected the original well.

[Lisa]

I’m behind on my reading here, so only about 30% through. I’m loving this book so far. Great atmosphere, descriptions, character depictions - it’s so bleak, too. There’s one thing that really struck me in the Swedish film version, and I haven’t seen it mentioned here. I’m wondering if the notion doesn’t emerge as clearly in the book, or maybe I’m not far enough yet. (view spoiler)[ I feel that Hakan is Eli’s previous Oskar. That they met met when Hakan was a boy, he fell in love with Eli, and aged past her as they remained together. It puts a different spin on Hakan’s character, not such a clear cut pedo as he appears on the surface. Although it’s still a totally twisted and horrid relationship, she’s not really younger than him. This may be spelled out more later, so forgive me if I’m belaboring the obvious :) (hide spoiler)]

[Graeme]

Hi Lisa. I make a similar interpretation of Eli's interests in his human helpers.

[Terry]

Lisa wrote: "I’m behind on my reading here, so only about 30% through. I’m loving this book so far. Great atmosphere, descriptions, character depictions - it’s so bleak, too. There’s one thing that really struc..."

I agree, Lisa. I took that implication away from the movie also, although it never was implicitly said either. I think the movie steered away (view spoiler)[ from the pedophilia more, while the book makes no mystery of it. (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa]

Thanks for the input, Terry and Graeme. And, like you two and Ginger, I also work for an engineering firm, as a Proposal Manager :)

[David]

I have to say that this book started out pretty slow. I was actually getting discouraged until it started to really pick up towards the middle and now it's gone completely off the chain! I'm glad I stuck with it. I got two more days till February ends. I think I can finish it.

[Ginger]

Lisa wrote: "Thanks for the input, Terry and Graeme. And, like you two and Ginger, I also work for an engineering firm, as a Proposal Manager :)"

Wow! That's a lot of horror fans that are in engineering in some capacity. And they say engineers are BORING. ;) Mau ha ha ha!

How are you liking this one Lisa? It's pretty dark and grim huh?

[Ginger]

David wrote: "I have to say that this book started out pretty slow. I was actually getting discouraged until it started to really pick up towards the middle and now it's gone completely off the chain! I'm glad I..."

Good luck David and glad you stuck with it! I can't wait until you get to the end. I was riveted and could not quit flipping the pages!

[Lisa]

Ginger wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Thanks for the input, Terry and Graeme. And, like you two and Ginger, I also work for an engineering firm, as a Proposal Manager :)"

Wow! That's a lot of horror fans that are in engin..."

I am really enjoying it! Totally dark and grim...

[Eve]

Lisa wrote: "I’m behind on my reading here, so only about 30% through. I’m loving this book so far. Great atmosphere, descriptions, character depictions - it’s so bleak, too. There’s one thing that really struc..."

This was my assumption watching the movie as well. I think the American remake makes it even clearer, with a photo that Oskar (different name in that movie but idr what it is) finds. I don't want to spoil anything for you, so I'll leave my book thoughts/comparison out of this comment :)

[Tim]

I read the book at the beginning of the month. I really enjoyed the trials of adolescence, I believe that made the bond among characters stronger.

I have not scene the movie foreign or domestic. Is either worth seeing or does the movie go in a different direction?

[Graeme]

Both movies are worth seeing, and they track the book, especially the Swedish movie.

[Vicki]

Oh this is a nice coincidence! I joined this group today and noticed this discussion pop up in my feed. Funny, because I just finished reading this book today! Loved it! I will have to read through the discussion.

[Katy]

Lisa wrote: "Ginger wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Thanks for the input, Terry and Graeme. And, like you two and Ginger, I also work for an engineering firm, as a Proposal Manager :)"

Wow! That's a lot of horror fans th..."

Yeah, this one is dark and grim. This is a full world, with richly detailed characters and physical locations that add to the overall horror.