A 2012 World Book Night selection.

Set in Stockholm in the early 1980s Let the Right One In  focuses on what happens to an ordinary suburb when a vampire moves into the area. Writing in a gritty, realistic style Let the Right One In completely re-writes the rule book for vampire fiction. By taking its subject matter seriously and dispensing with the usual clichés it a hugely moving and relevant novel. The idea of the dangerous “other” living within our suburbs has never been more relevant and Let the Right One In  looks at this in a surprising and powerful way.

Synopsis

Oskar and Eli. In very different ways, they were both victims. Which is why, against the odds, they became friends.

And how they came to depend on one another, for life itself. Oskar is a 12 year old boy living with his mother on a dreary housing estate at the city's edge. He dreams about his absentee father, gets bullied at school, and wets himself when he's frightened.

Eli is the young girl who moves in next door. She doesn't go to school and never leaves the flat by day. She is a 200 year old vampire, forever frozen in childhood, and condemned to live on a diet of fresh blood.

John Ajvide Lindqvist's novel is a unique and brilliant fusion of social novel and vampire legend, a deeply moving fable about rejection, friendship and loyalty.

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About the Author

John Ajvide Lindqvist is a Swedish author, born 1968, grew up in Blackeberg, a suburb to Stockholm. He wanted to become something awful and fantastic. First he became a conjurer and came in second in the Nordic card trick championship, then he was a stand-up comedian for twelve years. John has written TV series as well as stage plays and TV drama. Two of his other novels, Let the Right One In and Handling the Undead have been translated into English and published by Quercus. More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation