One day, the child suddenly appears, hair glowing bright red in the midst of the pine forest, belonging to no one. Skalde takes it in, even though she knows that the others living in the remote area will not tolerate it. Skalde and her mother, Edith, have never truly belonged to the community, ever since Edith suddenly stood dripping on the riverbank more than two decades ago, from which the others had hoped to find protection against the world sinking into chaos. Mother and daughter love each other because they have no other choice: they must stick together against the threat. Especially now, as it becomes increasingly clear that the child's life—and their own—is in danger.

Helene Bukowski has written a breathtaking debut novel of timeless validity and pressing relevance, a report from a brutal world that seems to be waiting for us somewhere.

Helene Bukowski has crafted a modern fairy tale. Heartwarming yet not sentimental. Familiar yet mysterious. For a few days, I lived there, in that old house on the edge of the forest, with Skalde, Edith, and Meisis, and when it was over, I had to be forcibly pulled away from the doorframe. Rarely have characters touched my heart so deeply.

A novel like a waking dream from the forbidden zone. Those who venture in lose themselves within it. And are rewarded with a finale that brings tears to the eyes.