The Rock Blaster

By: Henning Mankell, George Goulding - translator

Narrated by: Jonathan Cowley

Henning Mankell's first novel, never before released in English, explores the reflections of a working class man who has struggled against the constraints of his station for his entire life. A VINTAGE ORIGINAL.

The year is 1911. The young rock blaster Oskar Johansson has been killed in an accident. Or so it says in the local newspaper. In spite of serious injuries, however, Oskar survives. Decades later, Oskar looks back and reflects on his working life as an invalid, his marriage, his dreams, and his hopes. Oskar's life is woven together out of fragments of voices, images, and episodes that, taken together, provide a sharp and precise picture of life in Sweden for the working class.

Difficult

Enjoyed many Mankiller novels. This one was difficult and dreadful in many ways. Uniquely sad, relatable to the masses, troublesome in its theme. 120 years since the onset of Nationalism for many countries, still suffering continues.

The book is unusual but the actor is terrible

As Mankell's first book this is a bit rough. But has redeeming characteristics in it's discussion about society and aging. The actor however is the worst I've ever listened to in an audible book. He seems to have no understanding of the importance of emphasis and where it should be placed. The book would not have been as painful, yes painful, with a better actor.