A Haunting New Novel from Johanne Lykke Naderehvandi Explores Childhood Neglect
Johanne Lykke Naderehvandi’s latest novel, “Rök och speglar” (Smoke and Mirrors), is being hailed as a stunning work exploring the lives of children overlooked within the system. The book, released to critical acclaim, has sparked conversation about the often-hidden realities within Malmö’s social structures.
Published by Albert Bonniers förlag, the novel centers around Bernarda, a woman whose childhood was steeped in the world of the Malmö Stadsteater, where her parents worked as a director and set designer, respectively. The theater, she feels, “has poisoned her through her mother’s milk.” The story unfolds in December 2024, as Bernarda navigates life with her daughter, Paloma, in Malmö’s Möllevångstorget district.
Critics note the novel’s theatricality and suggest it’s not a straightforward autobiographical account, despite drawing from the author’s own upbringing with parents involved in the theater world. As Sydsvenskan reports, the power of “Rök och speglar” lies in its artistic form. Lykke Naderehvandi’s own experiences as a child have given her deep insight into the dynamics of play and performance.
Naderehvandi, born in 1987 and currently residing in Malmö, has previously published three other novels. “Rök och speglar” marks a new direction for the author, delving into darker themes and a more gothic narrative style. The novel’s exploration of loneliness, mental health, and enduring love adds layers of complexity to the story.
The author’s connection to the theater is further explored in a recent P1 Kultur Reportage, where she discusses her complicated relationship with the space. Naderehvandi admits, “It takes a lot to move to the theater.”
Naderehvandi’s work extends beyond writing; she is also credited as a translator for Malmö Stadsteater, including projects like “Alice i Underlandet” (Alice in Wonderland) and “Rädsla urholkar själen” (Fear Erodes the Soul). Malmö Stadsteater highlights her contributions to their artistic team.
The release of “Rök och speglar” adds to a growing body of work examining the complexities of family, memory, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences. The novel’s success is likely to further solidify Naderehvandi’s position as a significant voice in contemporary Swedish literature.
