A “memoir of sorts” by Henning Mankell, which the late author said was “not a book about death and destruction but about what it means to be human”, will be published next year.
Out on 4 February, Quicksand is a collection of short essays, announced publisher Harvill Secker. It deals with Mankell’s diagnosis and treatment for cancer, as well as topics ranging from art to “jealousy, ice ages past and present, and the future of our planet”.
The Swedish writer died in October at the age of 67, after being diagnosed with cancer last year. He was the author of some 40 books, including 11 starring his lugubrious detective Wallander, as well as an energetic campaigner for human rights. He wrote a diary about his experience of cancer for the Guardian.
In a quote provided by his publisher, Mankell said: “In January 2014, I was informed that I had cancer. However, Quicksand is not a book about death and destruction, but about what it means to be human. I have undertaken a journey from my childhood to the man I am today, writing about the key events in my life, and about the people who have given me new perspectives. About men and women I have never met, but wish I had.”
The author added that he was writing “about love and jealousy, about courage and fear. And about what it is like to live with a potentially fatal illness.”
The book is translated by Laurie Thompson, who also died earlier this year.
