The Lost Village(98)

Perhaps I could show them the way out of the darkness. Perhaps I could help them to return.

I went as far down into the tunnel as I could. The water had risen so high that I couldn’t even see the rubble anymore. Soon the tunnels would be completely flooded.

I sat there until the lamp burned out, and then I cried again.

But then I heard them. From out of the ground itself.

I heard them singing.

And then I cried again, but this time in relief.

I realized that my offering had not been enough. I stayed down there in the tunnels, moving upward with the water until it stopped rising, and I listened. They whispered to me at night. At first I didn’t hear them so clearly, but I learned with time.

They told me what I had to do. Sin must be cleansed with blood. Sooner or later the devil whore would return, and then the price would be paid.

So I waited.





THANK YOU


Every writer knows that the unsung heroes of every book are the people who lie behind it: who have given their support, read drafts and offered feedback, made tea, and—occasionally—forced the writer in question outside for some fresh air and sunlight. I, of course, am no exception; in fact, I would say that I demand more of my little circle than most, so it’s only right that I make a little space here to thank everyone who helped me to write The Lost Village.

Thank you to my fantastic publisher, Erika, who has made this book so much more than I could ever have envisioned. You saw a potential in that first, raw draft that I don’t think anyone else could have. I often say a good publisher is like a coach—someone who peps you up, supports and inspires you, but who also forces you to run until you drop, and then do another five miles. You have done both with bravura.

Thank you also to my editor, John, who has had to put up with my many passionate attempts to prove you can write “as to” in addition to “as if” or “as though.” (I am right, as, I am sure, the world will come to see in time.)

Thank you to my agents, Anna and Johanna, who have made all my dreams come true. How many people get to say that that’s all in a day’s work? Not only have you made sure that Alice, Emmy, Elsa, and Aina made it out into the world; you have also handled my frenetic but-what-if-everyone-hates-it? emails with far more patience than I deserve, which in and of itself should make you shoo-ins for sainthoods. I promise to write to the Vatican about this personally.

Thank you to my fantastic friends, who have put up with and supported me during this process. It isn’t always easy to live with a neurotic author in full-on editing mode, but you have handled it all so well that you make it look like child’s play.

Thank you to Frida and Sofia, who inspire me to be a little kinder every day, both to myself and to others. I see the fact that I have you both in my life as incontrovertible proof of good karma.

Thank you to Saga, who has been with me from the very start. That you read my very first teenage attempts at a book but are still happy to look at my new manuscripts says a lot more about your character than it does about my writing.

Thank you to Anna, who said that you loved this book again and again until I had no choice but to listen. You are still the best surprise of my life. (And thank you to Anna’s partner, Matthis, for putting up with how much time I spend at your apartment.)

Thank you to my dad, who seems almost more excited than I am when I call to tell him news about the book. Thank you to my brothers, Alexander and Leo, who grew up with two writers in their midst. It was tough, I know, but I will always maintain that the experience has given you valuable life skills.

Thank you to my mom. For reading, supporting, giving the best advice, and kindly telling me what an idiot I’m being in my more ridiculous moments. Being able to share writing with you is one of the greatest things. I am so lucky to have you as a mother.

And finally, thank you to you, that rare reader who even makes it through the acknowledgments.

None of this would be possible without you reading the book. All of this is for you.

So, thank you.





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ABOUT THE AUTHOR


CAMILLA STEN has been writing stories since she was a young girl and in 2019, she published the now internationally acclaimed, hair-raising novel, The Lost Village. Rights for The Lost Village have been sold to seventeen territories around the world, including film and TV. The book was one of seven shortlisted for Best translated crime fiction on ThrillZone.nl and is currently on the Polish Goodreads shortlist for The 2019 Best Book Award in the horror category.

An ever prolific author, Camilla has already published her next psychologically intense suspense novel, The Inheritance, and the first part of her dark and atmospheric YA series about the mysterious town of J?rvh?ga. You can sign up for email updates here.