Jonas senses a deep connection with Evelyn that goes beyond shared culture. Later, his father reveals he donated sperm to the Mikkola sisters’ mother, adding another layer to their bond. The narrator, Jonas, shifts the point of view between himself, Ina, Anastasia, Evelyn, and occasionally others like Ina’s partner Hector and Anastasia’s daughter Nina. As an adult, Jonas reunites with Evelyn in New York, who challenges his memories, questioning whether his narrative about her and her sisters is real or fictional.
Throughout the story, the fourth wall breaks as Jonas reflects on his writing process and his emotional struggles, including crying while writing about his father at age 42. The Mikkola sisters’ story includes a curse from their mother, which Jonas helps Evelyn break by introducing her to her aunt, leading Evelyn to return to Sweden for medical treatment.
The book sustains its 700 pages with a gripping, anxious writing style characterized by long sentences. This style mirrors Jonas’s realization of his own depression. The characters are vividly portrayed through their actions and observations. For instance, Ina at a New Year’s party awkwardly holding two drinks illustrates her emotional distance.
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