Persistent weak layers is a term used for a phenomenon that occurs in snow and that can potentially lead to avalanches. The remarkable thing about this phenomenon is that these layers can be buried deep down in the snow and therefore be invisible. Not surprisingly, this is also what makes them so dangerous. In other words, hikers can’t see any signs of danger, and it’s only when you start digging deeper that the weak layers show themselves.

Emil is on a springtime ski trip in the mountains. Weather conditions during the season have left the mountainsides unstable and there are persistent weak layers in the snow beneath him. Internally, Emil also has persistent weak layers of his own. These two circumstances combine to unfortunate effect.

Kjersti Kollbotn’s writing has never shied away from tough topics – and the same applies to this book. She also writes very well about nature and being out in the great outdoors. This is an exciting story.