Would you rather see a sequel or a prequel?

[Siggdalos]

If, say, Oskar were the first "real" friend Eli's had in a couple centuries or more, does this maybe imply that at least one of her not-so-real friends were bound by some kind of thrall?

That's one interpretation. The exact line is: Jag har inte haft nån ... vanlig vän på två hundra år. "I haven't had a ... normal friend for two hundred years."

By "normal friend", I have always (and still do) assume that he means another child his own age, who he can play and be a normal child with, as opposed to someone he attaches himself to for pure survival reasons.

[cmfireflies]

I would certainly prefer a sequel over a prequel. It just seems like a prequel would just be misery porn. I would like a sequel on the condition that there is a happy ending. Otherwise, I would prefer the story not be continued at all.

[metoo]

If, say, Oskar were the first "real" friend Eli's had in a couple centuries or more, does this maybe imply that at least one of her not-so-real friends were bound by some kind of thrall?

That's one interpretation. The exact line is: Jag har inte haft nån ... vanlig vän på två hundra år. "I haven't had a ... normal friend for two hundred years."

By "normal friend", I have always (and still do) assume that he means another child his own age, who he can play and be a normal child with, as opposed to someone he attaches himself to for pure survival reasons.

Another translation of "vanlig" would be "common". However, I agree - Eli meant that he hadn't had a friend of his own (developmental) age for 200 years. Still, he might have had genuine friends - adults who cared for him without asking for favours. My own favourite candidate is an old, rather grumpy and very lonesome barber back in the days when bloodletting still was a thing. I have toyed with the idea of writing a short story involving him for years...

By the way, the barber would be the one who taught Eli how to obtain human blood without killing the donor.

[Blood]

If, say, Oskar were the first "real" friend Eli's had in a couple centuries or more, does this maybe imply that at least one of her not-so-real friends were bound by some kind of thrall?

That's one interpretation. The exact line is: Jag har inte haft nån ... vanlig vän på två hundra år. "I haven't had a ... normal friend for two hundred years."

By "normal friend", I have always (and still do) assume that he means another child his own age, who he can play and be a normal child with, as opposed to someone he attaches himself to for pure survival reasons.

Another translation of "vanlig" would be "common". However, I agree - Eli meant that he hadn't had a friend of his own (developmental) age for 200 years. Still, he might have had genuine friends - adults who cared for him without asking for favours. My own favourite candidate is an old, rather grumpy and very lonesome barber back in the days when bloodletting still was a thing. I have toyed with the idea of writing a short story involving him for years...

By the way, the barber would be the one who taught Eli how to obtain human blood without killing the donor.

I like this story idea. Please write this barber story. My infection demands it!.


Personally, I would like a sequel with some follow-up on who sent the pictures to Karin. I think there are some pretty cool detective angles to add, and I want to hear more about how Oskar and Eli are doing together.

[andmker]

Some great and interesting points

I do like the idea of a barbor teaching Eli, almost like a LTROI / Sweeny Todd crossover lol