Talking to a regular swapper as she examined a Scandinavian detective novel, she remarked that it was a genre she really enjoyed, as do so many of us. One of its greatest exponents, Henning Mankel, creator of Wallander, has died today, aged only 67.
Mankel was not only a fine writer, but a great humanitarian. Living for many years in Africa he was shocked on his return to Sweden to see the rise of xenophobia. Like many north European countries Sweden had welcomed migrants from Africa and Asia, but the economic downturn there as with elsewhere led to the rise of neo-nazi groups intent on finding scapegoats, the changes to their previously homogeneous society being an easy target for the problems.
His hero he portrayed as an ordinary police inspector, with faults, illnesses and family problems. But he had a profound commitment to justice; and justice for all. He remained doggedly determined to seek the truth and resist cynicism. Mankel divided his time between Sweden and Africa; one foot in sand and one in snow, as he said.
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