Every time Wallander stepped into a strange apartment, he felt as though he were looking at the covers of a book he had just bought. The apartment, the furniture, the pictures on the walls, and the smells were the title. Now he had to start reading.
In Henning Mankell's novel "Faceless Killers," the protagonist, Wallander, experiences a unique perspective when entering unfamiliar spaces. He compares these apartments to book covers, each one telling a story through its layout, decor, and atmosphere. This metaphor highlights his investigative approach, where every detail serves as a hint towards understanding the lives of the inhabitants.
Wallander's journey into these residences symbolizes his relentless quest for truth. Just as a reader must delve into a book after observing its cover, Wallander must explore deeper—analyzing clues and unraveling narratives to solve the mysteries he confronts. Each apartment becomes a puzzle, inviting him to uncover its secrets and connect with the individuals who once lived there.