FIRE FROM THE SKY

A Sámi teen wrestles with his sexuality amid tradition and homophobia in this novel translated from Swedish and set in an Indigenous Arctic community.

Reindeer are everything to 16-year-old Ánte, who carries on his village’s traditions with honor. That is, until Ánte realizes that his entire body trembles at the sight of his friend Erik’s eyes. Soon, everything becomes about Erik—who, unfortunately, has a girlfriend. As confusion swirls within, Ánte explores an internet message board, finding a thread entitled, “Do homosexual reindeer herders exist?” Overheard conversations (including a few involving his father) reveal the community’s deeply embedded homophobia, contributing to Ánte’s own internalized homophobia. Leaving the village is not an option, but what if his feelings never go away? Why should Ánte have to choose in the first place? Despite the looming shadow of canonical queer tragedies in pastoral settings, debut Sámi author Åstot delicately manages to simultaneously honor tradition and push against it. The result is a rare and triumphant look at what it means for queerness to stay put, with all the messiness and pain that entails. The time-stopping emphasis on gazing and longing results in romantic tension that nearly rivals period romances, yet the story is anchored in the present. Sámi words and phrases and rich descriptions make for an immersive read. Though Ánte’s queerness is isolated, an adult gay Sámi’s reappearance hints at queer community.

A fresh voice and a setting that’s pure fire.