Jonas Jonasson

Translated by: Rachel Willson-Broyles

Jonas Jonasson is back with another irresistible adventure, this time set in nineteenth century Sweden.

After his father’s death is caused by the greedy and cunning Count Bielkegren, Algot Olsson is left with nothing to his name, except for a potato field and a homemade still to make liquor. But Algot is smart, ambitious and resourceful, and it’s not long before he masters the lucrative art of distilling spirits. When his schnapps become a sensation, he finds his success once again attracts the envy of the Count, who will do everything in his power to sabotage Algot’s budding business.

Thankfully, however, Algot isn’t alone. With the support of his friend Helmut, a Bavarian printer with a flexible relationship to the truth, and Helmut’s daughter Anna Stina, who is as strong-willed as she is charming, he might just have the creativity and the courage to outsmart the Count’s schemes once and for all … and perhaps there’s even time for romance along the way.

Full of sharp humour, wonderfully absurd twists and memorable characters, Algot, Anna Stina and the Water of Life is an irresistible adventure of friendship, love and ingenuity.