The Sixteen Trees of the Somme

More about the book

A family saga of epic proportions unfolds in a remote Norwegian mountain farmstead, where Edvard grows up under the watchful eye of his grandfather, Sverre. The mysterious death of Edvard's parents when he was just three leaves him with a haunting void and only a faint memory of his mother. Central to this enigma is the fate of his grandfather's brother, Einar, whose disappearance seems intertwined with the family’s past. When a beautifully crafted coffin arrives for Sverre long before his time, Edvard is propelled into a quest for truth, sparking hope that Einar may still be alive. This journey takes him from Norway to the Shetlands and the battlefields of France, leading to the revelation of an extraordinary inheritance. The narrative intricately weaves themes of love for wood, self-discovery, and the weight of history, creating a moving tale that spans a century. As a romantic historical thriller, the story serves as both a gripping page-turner and a reflective exploration of identity, life's meaning, and moral responsibility. Translated from Norwegian by Paul Russell Garrett, this work is a testament to the power of family secrets and the quest for understanding.