The True Deceiver
The True Deceiver
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2009
Book Brief
Beta181
Novel • Fiction
Swedish Village • 1980s
2009
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The True Deceiver, a reclusive artist and a manipulative outsider form an uneasy relationship in a snowbound village. The novel explores themes of trust, truth, and deception, as these individuals confront their motives and vulnerabilities. Tove Jansson crafts a psychological exploration of human interactions within an isolated, wintry setting.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Dark
Melancholic
Gritty
Reviews & Readership
7,358 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Tove Jansson's The True Deceiver is praised for its atmospheric storytelling and psychological depth, exploring themes of truth and deception in a snowbound village. Critics appreciate its sparse prose and complex characters, though some find the pacing slow. Overall, it’s lauded as a compelling study of human relationships and motivations.
Who Should Read The True Deceiver?
A reader who enjoyed The True Deceiver by Tove Jansson would appreciate psychological exploration and nuanced character studies, similar to those in Zadie Smith’s NW or Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse. They likely value introspective narratives set against stark, wintry landscapes.
7,358 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The True Deceiver was originally published in Swedish in 1982 under the title "Den ärliga bedragaren" and translated into English by Thomas Teal, highlighting the linguistic bridge Jansson's work often crossed.
Tove Jansson, best known for her Moomin series, explores adult themes such as truth and deceit in The True Deceiver, demonstrating her versatility as a writer beyond children's literature.
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The novel was awarded the Best Translated Book Award in 2011, showcasing its international recognition and the enduring impact of Jansson's narrative style.
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181
Novel • Fiction
Swedish Village • 1980s
2009
Adult
18+ years
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