“A well composed and thorough story for four voices. Two of the young men, a mother and a neighbour act as spokesmen in four separate parts. The result is a complex and nuanced portrait of life in a small village, of bonds and frictions between people, and of the young men’s struggle to find their place (…) Flatland writes with a great sense of detail and nuance. It is well done and promising” NRK

“a thoroughly prepared and successful literary debut (…) it is well written and explores major subjects with gentleness” Dagsavisen

“[Helga Flatland] manages to write about an ordinary and secure childhood in Norway without excluding the big, wide world, and does this in an original way (…) Her prose is sober, often lyrical” Dagbladet

“Helga Flatland has written a fine novel about childhood. Her debut speaks of a great literary talent, a love of writing, and an ability and desire to write throrougly.” Fædrelandsvennen

“Flatland has a special ear for suggestive details, which makes the novel very visual (…) this novel offers a nuanced and readable portrayal of a society in a time of change.” Bergens Tidende

”Here is a debutant who not only writes well. She portrays these young boys’ world in such an emotional and trustworthy way.” Oppland Arbeiderblad