The Colony

Swedish writer Norlin’s remarkable debut revolves around a commune in the Swedish countryside. Members of “the Colony” include Aagny, previously imprisoned for manslaughter, and a young boy named Ersmo whom Aagny takes care of after his mother’s mysterious disappearance. Sara, an animal liberation activist and ex-convict who served time for freeing chickens from a factory, joins the Colony with her partner after getting reacquainted with Aagny, whom she met in prison. They’re joined by Sagne, an entomologist and distant cousin of Sara’s sister-in-law, who was impregnated by her rapist and gives birth to her son, Låke, with Aagny’s help. Sagne neglects Låke as an infant because he reminds her of her rapist, leaving Aagny to raise him as if he were her own. Each member finds their niche in taking care of the farm and one another until the arrival of journalist Emelie, who meets Låke when he’s 14 and is surprised to learn he’s never gone to school. Her presence at the commune disrupts the balance of their lives. Norlin’s character work is superior, bringing each Colony member to vivid life and examining in nuanced detail how they interact. It’s an impressive tale of a found family. (Mar.)