[1] Set around the year 2004, the novel focusses on Fredrik Welin, once a successful orthopaedic surgeon forced to retire early from his professional career.

In fact he displays little sympathy for the postman’s frequent requests to be treated for his medical concerns and has privately diagnosed Jansson as suffering from mild hypochondria.

The unfolding events force him to confront painful memories from his past, from which his isolation on the island has enabled him to remain largely immune until now.

Fredrik also seeks to address the regrets he has about the unfortunate incident which led to his enforced retirement Key themes of the novel concern the dilemmas faced by those experiencing aging and death, both at first hand and through others close to them; the impact of poverty and destitution on an individual's life chances; and vulnerability, courage and forgiveness in intimate relationships.

Kenneth Branagh, who portrays Kurt Wallander in the BBC adaption, will direct and produce an upcoming film based on Italian Shoes.