Name: Christine Bruce's review of The Sixteen Trees of the Somme by Lars Mytting
Item: The Sixteen Trees of the Somme
Rating: 2
Author: Christine Bruce

Lars Mytting

An engrossing literary novel about a family mystery, revenge, and forgiveness by the bestselling author of Norwegian Wood and The Bell in the Lake The Sixteen Trees of the Somme is an intricately plotted and enthralling novel by the award-winning author of Norwegian Wood and The Bell in the Lake. An international bestseller and longlisted for the Dublin Literary Prize, it tells the story of Edvard and starts at his family's tree farm in Norway, where he was raised by his grandfather. The death of Edvard's parents when he was three has always been a mystery but he knows that the fate of his grandfather's brother, Einar, is somehow connected. One day a coffin is delivered to the farm for his grandfather, long before the grandfather's death--a meticulous, beautiful, and unique piece of craftsmanship with the hallmarks of a certain master craftsman--raising the thought that Einar isn't dead after all. Edvard is now driven to unravel the mystery of his parents' death. Following a trail of clues from Norway to the Shetland Islands to the battlefields of France and sixteen ancient walnut trees colored by poison gas in World War I, Edvard ultimately discovers a very unusual inheritance. Spanning a century and masterfully navigating themes of revenge and forgiveness, love and loneliness, The Sixteen Trees of the Somme displays the rich talents of Lars Mytting--whose novels have sold over a million copies worldwide--in a story that is utterly compelling and unforgettable.

The Sixteen Trees of the Somme

Genesis (@whisperingchapters)

Christine Bruce

When his grandfather dies, Edvard learns that his long dead great-uncle is actually alive, and that everyone knew about it except Edvard. But why was this secret held from him? Why was the story of how his parents died a secret? He is determined to find out, and travels to Scotland then France to learn the truths his family had kept hidden since the end of WWII. 
What's unfortunate about this book is that it could have been one of my favorite of the year, except it is a prime example of "men writing women." Every female character under the age of 30 is sexualized. I'm given minute details about their butts, their boobs, their bodies, and am fully aware how much Edvard wants to sleep with them. They're more like responsive set dressing than characters. Sometimes the details are just creepy "I could smell her, her wet undergarments" Like, please control yourself, my god. 
That's to say nothing of the fact that I was mislead about the time period this took place in. It is insinuated that the novel will take place following WWI, due to the importance given to the Somme. However, this is set in the 90s, with the war in question being WWII, and a Nazi is given sympathetic characterization (the grandfather of the main character). 
When Edvard isn't being a lascivious dog, the mystery and family drama is extremely interesting. I found the historical aspects fascinating, the slow reveal of the truth both horrifying and beautiful, and the way Edvard discovers himself through his family's past- the lives of people he never knew- relatable. But my dislike of Edvard, from how he treats the girl from his town to how his only thoughts about any woman his age is about their nipples or butt, was too strong. It was unnecessary and frankly callous at times. More editors need to have a red pen and write "Hey maybe calm down on talking about women like cuts of meat?" Then maybe books would be better, and more enjoyable for everyone.
Let’s not even talk about how flat and just… annoying and dumb for “love of Edvard” the two girls are. I ended the book just furious and irritated and mad as hell that I wasted SO MUCH time reading this book

Genesis (@whisperingchapters) &
The Sixteen Trees of the Somme by Lars Mytting

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Genesis (@whisperingchapters) &The Sixteen Trees of the Somme by Lars Mytting

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Genesis (@whisperingchapters) &
The Sixteen Trees of the Somme by Lars Mytting