The Village of Angels

The whole world looked on in shock as the tragedy unfolded in Beslan in North Caucasus from the 1. – 3. September 2004. 186 children and 147 adults were killed during one of the worst acts of terror in history. But what really happened after the world press had left in search of new destinations and the cameras had been turned off? How was it possible to carry on living in a town that had been a peaceful and sleepy place in a troubled part of mighty Russia? What happened during those three dramatic days? Who were the terrorists? What were their goals? What role did the secret Russian services play in this tragic outcome and why have critics of the Russian governments’ procedures been threatened or even killed?

Erika Fatland carries out a double investigation: On one hand a touching portrayal of the shattered lives and broken hearts of the bereaved; on the other precise and analytical detective work that follows the many hidden clues in the wake of the terrorist attack. In addition, the book tells the dramatic history of Caucasus; it gives a unique picture of the storms that rage in this unknown part of Russia. The Village of Angels is so far the most thorough and extensive work on the act of terror in Beslan, its causes and outcomes and the most personal and profound journalistic reportage covering the tragedy.

The Village of Angels is not only a touching portrayal of life after the tragedy – as it is experienced in sorrow and sad happiness by the survivors, the bereaved families after the unimaginable massacre of the school in Beslan in 2004 – it is also the author’s through work of investigation in an attempt to show what happened during those three dramatic days that shook the world.

A touching description of the sorrow of a small society – and a unique and thriller-like detective story.

Cappelen Damm 2011
256 Pages

So far sold to: Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden