'Kingdom of Sin': A New Turn for Detective Author Harry Hole

Author Jo Nesbø is no stranger to fans of detective novels, especially with her famous series about Detective Harry Hole. But with 'The Kingdom of Sin', the Norwegian writer takes a new direction.

Jo Nesbø's novel , " The Kingdom," revolves around the story of two brothers, Roy and Carl Opgard, living in a small town deep in the Norwegian mountains. Both experience a turbulent childhood, with an overly hot-tempered and strict father and a cold and distant mother. Then, one day, a mysterious car accident unexpectedly claims their lives...

Kingdom of Sin : An Exploration of the Human Psyche

In *The Kingdom of Sin*, Jo Nesbø constructs the story as a modern Greek tragedy, centered on the blood relationship between two brothers.

Jo Nesbø constructs the story as a modern Greek tragedy - Photo: BACH VIET

The Kingdom of Sin is set in a small, unnamed mountain town, but it is precisely this ambiguity that makes it so compelling. It is an isolated place, silently rotting from within, where everyone knows each other's secrets but keeps the most horrific ones hidden.

Roy, the older brother, is the protagonist and narrator, living a solitary, reclusive life in his hilltop home—which he considers his "kingdom." Carl, the younger brother, left town long ago to study in Canada and has now returned with his wife, Shannon, bringing with him a plan to build a luxury hotel to save the town from ruin.

Roy is a rough, contradictory character, blindly loyal but also harboring violence and darkness. Carl, on the other hand, represents the image of a dreamer, charming and seemingly glamorous, but at the same time manipulative and dangerous.

Carl's return triggers a series of events, from past family conflicts to the mystery surrounding his parents' deaths and strained relationships with the villagers. Gradually, the reader realizes that beneath Carl's facade of respectability and his dream of "reviving" the town lies a series of conspiracies, ambitions, and even crimes. And Roy—though initially trying to maintain his role as a "protector"—is forced to confront his fragile moral boundaries.

Jo Nesbø has created a haunting narrative space: winding roads, long, freezing winter nights, a gloomy surrounding forest… all contributing to a heavy, oppressive feeling. It is a space where truth is buried beneath a thick layer of ice, and when everything melts, tragedy erupts.

Jo Nesbø, with his experience as a journalist and musician, has a concise, vivid, and rhythmic writing style. In his works, he uses sharp, cutting language that delves deep into the characters' psychology. Every line of dialogue, every internal monologue of Roy, is deeply reflective, gradually exposing the moral and psychological decay of humanity.

Cover of the book 'The Kingdom of Sin', published by Bach Viet and Dan Tri Publishing House - Photo: BACH VIET

Despite its strong literary elements, the novel maintains a tense pace, with logical plot twists, unexpected turns, and a lasting, impactful ending. * The Kingdom of Sin * is not just a story about crime or family; it's an exploration of human psychology – where good and evil are not clearly defined, where love and hatred can coexist in the same heart.

With *The Kingdom of Sin* , author Jo Nesbø has proven that he is not only the "king of Norse mystery" but also a true novelist with the ability to explore the depths of the human psyche in a bold, cold, yet haunting way. A new direction, hopefully the author of *Harry Hole* mystery novels will bring more surprises to Vietnamese readers.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/vuong-quoc-toi-loi-nga-re-moi-cua-tac-gia-truyen-trinh-tham-harry-hole-185250725120620341.htm