Ellen Strömberg’s second young adult novel, ”Ingen början, inget slut” (No Beginning, No End), weaves together familiar themes of adolescent literature – grief, loneliness, and coming out – with elements of Norse mythology, science fiction, and vampire lore. Fourteen-year-old Benjamin spends the summer living in a caravan with his father in the archipelago. Like many of Strömberg’s previous characters, he’s a shy, overweight, and lonely teenager with a yearning for adventure. One day, the mysterious and alluring Tristan appears, revealing himself to be an ”everlevare,” a kind of time traveler with eternal life. This intriguing premise sets the stage for a story that explores the complexities of adolescence alongside a fantastical narrative.
Strömberg, who won the prestigious August Prize for her debut novel ”Vi skulle bara cykla förbi” (We Were Just Going to Cycle Past), demonstrates her talent for character development once again. Benjamin and his father are portrayed with nuance, their relationship a realistic mix of bickering, love, and the everyday struggles of life. Their interactions feel authentic and add depth to the narrative, grounding the fantastical elements in a relatable reality. However, the antagonist, a digital nomad named Jess, falls flat. He comes across as a contrived character, lacking the depth and complexity expected of a compelling villain. He feels disconnected from the real-world narratives of new age beliefs and conspiracy theories he’s supposed to embody, failing to resonate as a credible threat.
Tristan, the enigmatic everlevare, also suffers from a lack of depth. He resembles a teenage fantasy heartthrob, complete with tousled hair, tanned muscles, and a worn-out peasant shirt. Crucially, he lacks the ambiguity that makes truly memorable vampire characters so captivating. Successful vampire narratives often tap into societal taboos, as seen in Sheridan Le Fanu’s ”Carmilla” with its exploration of same-sex desire, or John Ajvide Lindqvist’s ”Let Right One In” with its unsettling undertones of pedophilia. Tristan, however, is not a vampire in the traditional sense. He doesn’t need blood to survive, and therefore lacks the darkness that makes vampires so alluring. This absence of a darker element diminishes his impact and makes him less compelling as a supernatural figure.
The concept of the ”everlevare” and their time-traveling abilities, while intriguing, feels underdeveloped. Creating new supernatural beings is a challenging endeavor, as it requires significant exposition to establish their place within the existing fantasy landscape. Strömberg’s attempt, while valiant, doesn’t quite achieve this. The explanation of the everlevare’s powers and their relationship to time travel remains too superficial to establish them as a genuinely novel addition to the rich tapestry of fantasy creatures. The reader is left wanting more, a deeper understanding of their origins, motivations, and the limitations of their abilities.
Reading ”Ingen början, inget slut” at times feels like stepping into a pubescent fantasy, where the underdog finally finds acceptance and love, kisses spark with intensity, and vampires are benevolent. While this might sound overly sentimental, Strömberg’s clear and engaging prose elevates the narrative. Her writing, as strong as in her previous works, carries the story, preventing it from succumbing to its more simplistic tropes. This skillful use of language creates a balance, allowing the reader to connect with Benjamin’s coming-of-age story even amidst the fantastical elements.
Beyond the supernatural elements, the novel’s core strength lies in its realistic portrayal of a fourteen-year-old boy navigating the complexities of adolescence. Benjamin’s journey of self-discovery, his struggles with insecurity, and his yearning for connection are universally relatable themes. This grounding in real-world emotions and experiences gives the story its heart and makes it resonate with readers. Despite the shortcomings in the development of its fantastical elements, ”Ingen början, inget slut” ultimately offers a worthwhile reading experience thanks to Strömberg’s compelling writing and the genuine emotional core of Benjamin’s story. The novel reminds us that even within fantastical narratives, the human experience of growing up, with all its challenges and triumphs, remains a powerful and enduring theme.
