A Bridge to the Stars

This poignant novel explores how a unilateral decision can change a life. Two things are hard for Joel Gustafson to cope with: not knowing why, and not being able to do anything about it. Joel's father was once a sailor who lived by the sea. Joel's mother once lived with them. Joel's father abandoned the sea. Joel's mother abandoned Joel and his father. While looking out his window one night, Joel sees a lonely dog on the street. Joel spots the animal again and begins sneaking out night after night, trying to find it. During these nocturnal outings, Joel discovers aspects of life he has never imagined. And then one night he discovers that his father's bed, too, is empty. As Joel investigates his father's mysterious absences and continues to search for the dog, he discovers his own inner strength and learns about adult disappointments and needs.

Henning Mankell was born in 1948 in Stockholm, Sweden. His Inspector Wallander novels are a prize-winning series, at the top of best-seller lists throughout Europe, and many of his books have been made into films.


From the Trade Paperback edition.