Himlabrand by Moa Backe Astot

This is such a unique and beautiful coming-of-age story about finding yourself and your place within the traditions you wish to honor but still being true to who you are and who you love. Ánte is a Sámi teenager (same in Swedish, the indigenous people of the Northern parts of Finland, Norway and Sweden) and loves the Sámi culture and the reindeer herding work, but can he be part of that and gay at the same time? Or does he have to choose; either be true to himself and risk the repulsion of the others, or hide and be accepted within the community?

This book completely blew me away. It was so beautifully written and with such raw emotions. I immediately rooted for the main character, Ánte, and his best friend Erik, as well as many of the side characters. (Lasse who will make an appearance at the end of the book is one of my favorite characters ever, just have to point that out without hopefully giving away any spoilers.) I also loved the way the Sámi culture was described and the close connection to the land, but also how the heritage and dark history with discrimination and oppression was weaved into the story.

“Are there any homosexual reindeer herders?”

This is what Ánte googles in the beginning of the book, trying to sort out his feelings for his best friend Erik and trying to understand how he can go on with the life he loves as a reindeer herder but be open with the possibility that he might be gay when he’s never heard of any gay herders, only whispers about people leaving Jokkmokk.

Ánte’s doubts and worry, his feelings that he’s about to burst and go crazy if he doesn’t figure out what’s wrong with him, the fear that his feelings are unrequited, the joy and excitement of first love, the jealousy he’s not allowed to show, the way his father’s homophobic jokes feels like a knife in his chest; it’s all so well written that you feel it in your stomach. Moa Backe Åstot really managed to show how love is both the most wonderful thing in the world and a curse. I also loved the way she made us understand Ánte’s love for the reindeer herding and the place where he lives and the people around him. It’s very rare for a YA story that the main character wants to stay and doesn’t dream of moving away to become themselves. This also makes the story even more emotional and raw. Ánte’s fear of not being accepted by the others and being forced to leave the life and place he loves, is so understandable and palpable it made my heart race.

​Himlabrand is such a strong, emotional, wonderful, addictive, unique and unforgettable story that I recommend with all my heart! I hope that it will be translated into many other languages soon, to allow more readers to get to know Ánte and read his amazing story.

Rating:
5 stars

Get your own copy:
Bokus

​Author info:
Moa Backe Åstot