Summary of Wretchedness
A cellist is hurrying to catch his train when he starts a conversation with a junkie. This encounter triggers a series of memories about his own troubled youth, marked by poverty, violence, and drug abuse.
Reasons to read Wretchedness
In his novella “Wretchedness”, Swedish author Andrzej Tichý blends the protagonist’s reflections on his past life as an immigrant in Sweden, and his discussions with fellow musicians about classical music and music from the eighties and nineties. “Wretchedness” is a short but intense read, giving readers a close insight into the darker side of Sweden. Andrzej Tichý is a renowned Swedish writer with Czech-Polish roots. “Wretchedness” is his first book to be translated into English. There is a Spotify playlist that complements the novel.
Setting: Malmö (Sweden)
Original title: Eländet
Year of publication: 2016
Nr of pages: 200
