A Treacherous Paradise
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  • Published: 6 June 2013
  • ISBN: 9781448113095
  • Imprint: Vintage Digital
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 400

A Treacherous Paradise

Formats & editions
EBook
6 Jun 2013
Audiobook
6 Jun 2013
Paperback
1 Aug 2014
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From the master of thriller writing, comes a sweeping historical novel based on the true story of a Swedish woman who ran the most famous brothel in Mozambique: a gripping and thought-provoking read

A Treacherous Paradise sees Henning Mankell turn his talents for writing gripping thrillers to a world where power and powerlessness meet and passion is a dangerous commodity.

Hanna Lundmark escapes the brutal poverty of rural Sweden for a job as a cook onboard a steamship headed for Australia. Jumping ship at the African port of Lourenço Marques, Hanna decides to begin her life afresh.

Stumbling across what she believes to be a down-at-heel hotel, Hanna becomes embroiled in a sequence of events that lead to her inheriting the most successful brothel in town. Uncomfortable with the attitudes of the white settlers, Hanna is determined to befriend the prostitutes working for her, and change life in the town for the better, but the distrust between blacks and whites, and the shadow of colonialism, lead to tragedy and murder.
  • Published: 6 June 2013
  • ISBN: 9781448113095
  • Imprint: Vintage Digital
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 400
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About the author

Henning Mankell

Henning Mankell (1948-2015) became a worldwide phenomenon with his crime writing, gripping thrillers and atmospheric novels set in Africa. His prizewinning and critically acclaimed Inspector Wallander Mysteries continue to dominate bestseller lists all over the globe and his books have been translated into forty-five languages and made into numerous international film and television adaptations: most recently the BAFTA-award-winning BBC television series Wallander, starring Kenneth Branagh.

Driven by a desire to change the world and to fight against racism and nationalism, Mankell devoted much of his time to working with charities in Africa, including SOS Children’s Villages and PLAN International, where he was also director of the Teatro Avenida in Maputo. In 2008, the University of St Andrews conferred Henning Mankell with an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters in recognition of his major contribution to literature and to the practical exercise of conscience.

www.henningmankell.com

portrait photo of Henning Mankell

Also by Henning Mankell

After the Fire
Quicksand
An Event in Autumn
Wallander's First Case
The Chamber
The Shadow Girls
The Troubled Man
See all

Praise for A Treacherous Paradise

Mankell is the master. Let’s be honest: I hate thrillers. But I love Mankell

Viv Groskop, Red Magazine

A sensuous, beguiling tapestry

William Boyd, New York Times

Mankell uses his deep knowledge of Mozambique’s history and politics to great advantage in this unusual and riveting story

Daily Mail

Timelessly resonant

Independent

Profound and compelling… Paints a convincing and poignant picture

Good Book Guide

Intriguing

Tina Moran, Daily Express

Mankell uses his deep knowledge of Mozambique’s history and politics to great advantage in this unusual and riveting story

Kathy Stevenson, Daily Mail

A gripping page turner

O, The Oprah Magazine
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