Date of release: 2021-07-29
Pages: 250
Sold to: Denmark: Turbine, Finland: Aula & Co, Germany: Btb
Three friends in their twenties: Thora, Hugo and August.
Thora, the only child of charismatic bohemian couple Aron and Laura, comes from old money and has been raised in a grand apartment in an exclusive part of Stockholm. Thora and August have been best friends, and occasional lovers, for years, but their relationship is unsettled when Hugo becomes Thora’s family’s new tenant. Hugo comes from a different background and is both fascinated and petrified by this new and privileged world. Gradually, the three are drawn toward each other, and a close, but not entirely uncomplicated friendship comes into existence.
Soon they are spending every waking moment together: sitting at cafes, taking bike rides during long summer nights, travelling to Paris. Beneath the surface powerful emotions are simmering, but also reflections on identity, class and love. All while the fragile balance between them threaten to crack.
The Trio is a splendid literary debut: very accessible, yet acute, subtle and elegant, with atmospheric and beautifully observed Stockholm exteriors that you won’t wish to leave.
There is a sense of ‘modern flaneur’ in the narrative, which superbly captures the essence of youth – both the feelings of alienation and the yearning for affinity and connection. This is Sally Rooney meets Therese Bohman, with a little bit of Jules and Jim.
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