The latest crime novels of Henning Mankell had left us a little taste of disappointment when the author was lost in the political-police meanders. So we are delighted with this restless man, delighted to reconnect with the best vein of Swedish, even if it is the last survey of the Commissioner Wallander. And yes Kurt surrenders. Mankell had accustomed us with an incisive look at Sweden. Already with The Return of the Dancing Master, we saw the Swedish supposed "neutrality" be far too friendly to the Nazism. Mankell continued his history lesson and directed the 80 where, after the Cold War, the "neutrality" Swedish leans this time on the side of NATO. It was the era of Prime Minister Olof Palme (assassinated in 1986), the Swedish Bofors arms group and of course the mysterious Soviet submarines prowling came in Swedish waters. In reality, there are many men worried in this novel. Starting with Kurt Wallander himself. The guy spent the sixties. A difficult course. The time has won the game: Wallander is aging, diabetes is gaining ground and the Commissioner is the victim of repeated absences. Man is caught up by his past: all "his women" are given if appointment in this episode. His ex (Mona, became an alcoholic), his daughter Linda and now her granddaughter and even his Latvian adventure, Baiba, which is passing through. All this has a small perfume of Italian shoes. The other man worried, that of the title, that of history, is a sailor. An officer who was ringside in the 80s when the Soviet submarines lurking near the Swedish naval bases. He too was caught by his past at the same time that Sweden is overtaken by history. The man suddenly disappears without explanation. A he was murdered? Was he threatened? Seeking he flee? What did he have to hide? Spy stories? Or family secrets? This excellent novel is imbued with a certain wry sadness that cleverly blends the past and present, Wallander's personal history and that of the naval officer. The last Wallander investigation proves to be a success (on the literary plane means, for the rest, they let you undo the son of intrigue political police!). Thrillers lovers will not miss this excellent episode. Others are sure a visit by Italian shoes, excellent novel.
