The Night Guest by Hildur Knútsdóttir: Book Review

The Night Guest is the most recent book by Hildur Knútsdóttir to be translated into English. Initially released in the author’s native Iceland in October 2021, Tor Nightfire will release the English translation on September 3, 2024. It takes readers to Reykjavik, where Iðunn is struggling. Tired of waking up exhausted, she finds herself in another doctor’s office. Following the advice of others, Iðunn purchases a smartwatch to track her steps and sleep patterns. The watch shows less than 10,000 steps at bedtime, so how does it show over 40,00 the next morning? And what about the bruises?

I want to thank Tor Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Night Guest. All opinions presented here are my own.

Synopsis from Goodreads

Iðunn is in yet another doctor’s office. She knows her constant fatigue is a sign that something’s not right, but practitioners dismiss her symptoms, and blood tests haven’t revealed any cause.

When she talks to friends and family about it, the refrain is the same ― have you tried eating better? exercising more? establishing a nighttime routine? She tries to follow their advice, buying everything from vitamins to sleeping pills to a step-counting watch. Nothing helps.

Until one night, Iðunn falls asleep with the watch on and wakes up to find she’s walked over 40,000 steps in the night . . .

What is happening when she’s asleep? Why is she waking up with increasingly disturbing injuries? And why won’t anyone believe her?

My Opinions

I requested this novel purely because the author is from Iceland. Yes, I know it’s not the best reason to request a book, but this time, it paid off! The synopsis also made me curious, especially as a woman who feels like waking up more tired than when going to bed.

The majority of the story is told through Iðunn’s inner monologue. There are only a handful of characters in the novel, with minimal dialogue.

This novel has been classified as a horror. While some elements reflect horror, The Night Guest could also be considered a mystery.

My biggest complaint with The Night Guest is the ending. I won’t spoil the book by explaining my issues with it. I may have screamed in frustration when I realized I had reached the end.

If you are looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, a book that you won’t want to put down and may even make you start reading again after reaching the end, look no further than The Night Guest.

Are you looking for some more books to read? Check out my bookish lists, book reviews, and monthly reading wrap-ups.