lang_westo
2007 Nominated

Lang

artwork-image

ABOUT
THE BOOK

I asked you to write a story about love, not a story about crime!’ he yelled, and I answered, ‘I’m sorry, but in my mind they’ve become inseparable.’I
n the middle of the night, a man makes a phone call to his best friend. He needs help, he says – and the loan of a heavy-duty shovel. The story of Christian Lang is one of obsession both physical and emotional. A famous novelist and television chat-show host, Lang wants to keep his affair with the enchanting Sarita a secret, but she has her own reasons for keeping it quiet too. Lang finds himself caught up in a sinister love triangle with Sarita and her violent ex-husband. He knows that his life is in danger but so great is Lang’s passion for his lover that he is unable to stay away.
As Lang is drawn further into a spiral of lust, lies and violence his judgement becomes increasingly irrational. This is a compelling story about love, hatred and obsession and of how these can override the emotion of intense fear.

ABOUT
THE AUTHOR Kjell
Westö

ABOUT
THE TRANSLATOR Ebba
Segerberg

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Country
Finland
Original Language
Swedish
Author
Publisher
Harvill Press
Translator
Ebba Segerberg

RELATED FEATURES

News February 17 2026

2026 Dublin Literary Award Longlist is Revealed

Delve into the 20 novels longlisted this year.
Video December 31 2025

Bidding farewell on our 30 Years Anniversary Year

Let's take a look back at some highlights from past years.
News November 19 2025

2026 Nominations Revealed

69 titles have been nominated by 80 libraries from 36 countries for the 2026 Award
News November 19 2025

2026 Dublin Literary Award Judges Announced

Meet our judging panel for 2026 Dublin Literary Award

STAY CONNECTED

Stay in touch and sign up to our newsletter to receive all the latest news and updates on the Dublin Literary Award.