Before I burn

About this book

A terrorizing month of arson fires and suspicion in a 1970s Norway community ends in the christening of a young boy named Gaute Neivoll, whose youth is shaped by the time of fear and fire until, as an adult, he begins to retell the stories of his neighbors while gradually discovering the identity of the arsonist. In 1970s Norway, an arsonist targets a small town for one long, terrifying month. One by one, buildings go up in flames. Suspicion spreads among the neighbors as they wonder if one of their own is responsible. Amid the chaos, only a day before the last house is set afire, the community comes together for the christening of a young boy named Gaute Heivoll. As he grows up, stories about the time of fear and fire become deeply ingrained in his young mind until, as an adult, he begins to retell the story.