A dazzling work of fiction and a true-crime investigation into the unshakeable hold of money, greed and desire on us all.

‘A comet in Scandinavian literature’ Olga Ravn

‘Startling and irresistible’ Claire-Louise Bennett

'A new masterpiece of Nordic literature' - Dag og Tid

'The most ambitious literary project of the 2020s' - Jyllands-Posten

Maggie and Kurt are struggling to hold their marriage together after their only daughter has left home. They live in an old farmhouse in Nyborg but somehow keep missing each other, unable to discuss the events that brought them together.

Decades ago, a passenger ferry called the Scandinavian Star caught fire, killing 159 people. The event is still considered a national tragedy in Denmark and Norway. Years later, it was revealed not to be an accident, but the result of an insurance scam gone wrong.

How is the Scandinavian Star disaster connected to Maggie and Kurt's relationship? How does money affect and infect our closest relationships? And is it ever possible to escape?

Translated by: Caroline Waight