Zehn Tipps, Das Morden Zu Beenden Und Mit Dem Abwasch Zu Beginnen (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
This book owes a debt to In Bruges, which told a better, sweeter story about two criminals on the run from a botched hit, hiding out in a sleepy foreign town where their syndicate would never bother to look for them - until, of course, they do. Here, the getaway locale is Iceland, where the fleeing Croatian hitman is a lutefisk out of water. It's a pretty simple story, but enjoyable and clever. One would not expect to root for a main character that, in the course of the book, kills an innocent priest and a dog (and reminisces about the 120-some other people he has previously killed). But when in Iceland... I was immediately drawn to this book by it's title. After checking out the book description, it still appealed to me. The idea of a Hitman getting stranded in Iceland, a land that has no army, no guns and a homicide rate of 1 maybe 2 a year struck me as very funny. Our Hitman goes by many names and occupations during the tale, I won't spoil it for the reader by revealing these. Iceland a land of fresh bleak beauty, freezing temperatures, days of light or dark and very few people. With plenty of time to reflect his past and change his future the tale lives up to its name. Housecleaning takes place in unusual ways with the help of a mix of characters. I enjoyed the complicated Icelandic language which added humour to the piece, and I was in fits of laughter at the serious nature the whole country took when it came to watching The Eurovision Song Contest live on TV. The past finally catches up with the Hitman in several ways, and we are left guessing, will he settle down and call this land of ice home? Or will he ever make it back to his true home?
What do You think about Zehn Tipps, Das Morden Zu Beenden Und Mit Dem Abwasch Zu Beginnen (2010)?
I loved learning about Iceland; but the main character was not likable.
—beckyjocox
somewhat bizarre but rather amusing read. writing is fresh and clever.
—gayi
