Amanda Romare's new novel 'Judas' has swiftly become the subject of a cultural debate, even before its full release. The book depicts a strained cohabitation in a gritty Malmö, touching on themes like choking during sex, Ozempic, and generational relationship issues. Critic Anna Hellsten defends it as a consistent generational novel.
Amanda Romare's second novel, 'Judas', published by Natur & Kultur, picks up after her debut 'Halva Malmö ...'. The story follows Amanda and her boyfriend Emil in a faltering relationship marked by routine affections like garlic pasta and silk sheets, but beneath the surface, issues simmer. Emil recreationally uses drugs and lies about it, while Amanda is ashamed of his weight gain from excessive gaming and forces him to take Ozempic.
The book explores modern relationships with elements of ghosting, conscious dating, choking during sex leading to a police investigation, panic attacks, and antidepressants. The backdrop is an 'ugly Malmö' – Värnhem's grimness, Kirseberg's remoteness, aggressive restaurant menus like 'If you don’t like coriander, LEAVE', Gaza snacks in line at Sibylla on Möllan, and the noisy Bar Kiosko. Hellsten describes the world as oppressive, leaving readers relieved when the book ends.
The debate around 'Judas' has been fueled by author interviews and the fresh Netflix adaptation of her debut. Some view the book as an example of how men are harshly portrayed today, with trends like 'embarrassing to have a boyfriend' or the 'meal-prep man'. Hellsten counters that people have always complained about partners and rejects Göteborgs-Posten's claim that Romare is sloppy. Instead, she praises the language's precision and calibrated dialogue, comparing it to Per Hagman's 'Cigarett', Helen Fielding's 'Bridget Jones', Linna Johansson's 'Lollo', and Caroline Ringskog Ferrada-Noli's texts.
Romare emerges as a confident generational author, and the book ends on a sore cliffhanger about Amanda and Emil's future – perhaps breakup or a move to a home with two bathrooms. Hellsten hopes for a quick follow-up.
