The Lost Village is an excellent example of why I really, really dislike organized religion.
Of course, I fully understand and acknowledge that not every religion turns into a cult. But the framework is there, and The Lost Village makes you realize just how easily the tide can turn with the right (or wrong) person to lead it.
Despite that, I love a good cult story and an atmospheric creepy thriller, and this debut novel by Camilla Sten delivers both with aplomb.
The Lost Village is… so many words. Shocking, devastating, powerful. Emotional. Tense, suspenseful, eerie.
Captivating. Horrific.
Heartbreaking in so many ways.
Sten’s novel is a well-paced thriller packed with spooky moments, lots of psychological twists, and quite a few touching backstories. The story weaves together two timelines: one follows a motley group of amateur filmmakers seeking the truth about the doomed Swedish village of Silvertjarn — and the other reveals what really happened to its inhabitants.
The Lost Village is drenched in creepy, suspenseful ambiance, from the abandoned village’s rotting houses and gaping empty mine, to the eerie mob mentality that takes over the town. Sten’s excellent writing keeps you moving, keeps you turning pages, especially near the end, when the dawning horror almost becomes too much to bear.
But you keep reading because you just HAVE to know what happens next.
The Lost Village is also about two kinds of mental illness. One is the kind that takes you over without your consent; the kind that’s carried in your blood, in your genes. The kind that doesn’t give you a fighting chance against it without medications or professional help.
The other, which is almost more terrifying than the first, is the kind that you embrace wholeheartedly, with open arms and blind eyes to what’s really going on around you. The kind that someone leads you toward and you choose not to run away from, despite what it costs you and others you love.
I haven’t read many books by Swedish authors, but I loved finding a fresh voice and a new setting with The Lost Village. I’m eager to read more from Sten, as well as other Scandinavian authors.
And be sure to check back in for my book-inspired recipe: Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce.
Put it on the list and recommended for Book Club !! Can’t wait for the salmon recipe !!
Hi, Odette! I think your book club is going to love this one. There’s so much to talk about, plus it’s a great read.
This isn’t based on a true story, is it? Sounds horrific if it is! It does sound ideal for a Halloween reading though! Does it have any kind of happy ending, or some sense of finding peace?
Hi, Nicola! Y’know, I’m not sure if it’s based on a true story. It definitely feels like it could be! And, I honestly don’t remember what happens at the end, haha. But I couldn’t tell you anyway on here — no spoilers! 🙂