The Hired Man (2013) is a novel by Scottish-Sierra Leonean writer Aminatta Forna about an Englishwoman, Laura, and her two children who renovate a farmhouse in Croatia with the help of local handyman, Duro.

Through their interaction, she reveals and explores local history, including effects of the Yugoslav Wars.

The Guardian's review noted: "The novel is a continuation of Forna's overriding theme; the gradual accretion of small, seemingly insignificant acts of betrayal that eventually find expression in full-scale horror.

"[2] The Boston Globe described it as "fiercely mournful", concluding: "Not since 'Remains of the Day' has an author so skillfully revealed the way history's layers are often invisible to all but its participants, who do what they must to survive.

In this gorgeous novel, Aminatta Forna shows what doesn't translate, however, and what makes war's aftermath so long, melancholy, and deadly.