The Madman

Set in a small Swedish town in 1947, Henning Mankell's novel follows Bertil Kras as he seeks a fresh start away from his life in Stockholm, only to face suspicion and ostracism from the once-inhabited community. When a fire devastates the local sawmill, Bertil becomes a scapegoat, challenging his sense of identity and belonging amidst a backdrop of lingering wartime shadows. This compelling story explores themes of othering, suspicion, and societal judgment, blending atmospheric storytelling with enduring emotional depth.