30 Jan 2014

Mankell diagnosed with cancer

8:18 am on 30 January 2014

Swedish crime writer Henning Mankell, author of the Inspector Wallander novels, said on Wednesday that he has been diagnosed with cancer.

Henning Mankel.

Henning Mankel. Photo: AFP (file)

Mankell, 65, wrote in Goteborgs Posten, a Swedish daily, he received the diagnosis earlier this year and said would write about his experiences in the newspaper.

"I have decided to write just as it is," he said. "But I will do it from the perspective of life, not death."

Mankell said he had a tumour in his neck and one in his left lung.

"The cancer could also have spread to other parts of my body," he said, adding that doctors were performing further examinations before beginning treatment.

"My anxiety is very profound, although by and large, I can keep it under control," he said.

Mankell has for many years divided his time between Sweden and Africa, living at least six months of the year in Mozambique.

His books have been translated into 41 languages and sold more than 40 million copies worldwide, according to his publisher's website.

The Wallander books explore the darker side of Sweden, providing a counterpoint to its image as a relatively crime-free, tolerant and cohesive society.