She is convinced that readers expect foreign worlds to be described in as much detail and colour as possible, otherwise they get bored. Marklund's success in Sweden demonstrates that an unknown author without the backing of a large publishing house and an elaborate PR programme can still storm the best-seller lists. Doctors and psychologists argue as to whether the self-mutilators are mentally ill. Interest in body modification has increased sharply in the youth sub-culture of the USA over the past five years. The deliberately self-inflicted wounds have little in common with tattoos or piercing.
Most medical doctors warn against the new fad for torture.