Looking at life, photos and Finnish happiness after four decades in Finland
Tim Bird’s new book, Happy Land, reflects a life of observing, photographing and finding contentment in Finland. It holds some wisdom for more recent arrivals, too.
Catching the pike: How Finnish author Juhani Karila reeled in a literary phenomenon
Juhani Karila grew up in a corner of Lapland so quiet that his imagination became loud. Decades later, it has helped him become one of Finland’s most distinctive literary voices.
8 questions on the Kalevala, the epic that shaped Finland’s identity
The epic Kalevala relates ancient tales, mainly from the Karelia region, and has become a cornerstone of Finland’s cultural identity. Its poetry has reached readers all over the world, including J.R.R. Tolkien, who took inspiration from it.
Finnish actor Alma Pöysti believes in curiosity, compassion and communication
For the award-winning actor Alma Pöysti, culture is a force to be reckoned with. It helps people understand each other in a polarised world in at least four ways, she says.
Why Finland’s Moomin books still matter in today’s world
The Moomins and the Great Flood, by the Finnish writer and artist Tove Jansson, was published in 1945. The first Moomin book introduces the central characters and themes like love, respect and belonging, for which Jansson and the extended family of Moomins became internationally renowned.
The whimsical humanity of Finnish Moomin author and artist Tove Jansson
The creator of the Moomins was much more than just a cartoonist. Her body of work could fill several lifetimes. She lived a long life shaped by love, freedom, sea and adventure – all of which can be read and felt in her works.
The Finnish island where Moomin author Tove Jansson used to live still inspires artists
Finnish artist and author Tove Jansson, creator of the Moomin books, spent almost 30 summers on Klovharun, a tiny island in the Gulf of Finland. Since then, hundreds of artists have enjoyed week-long residencies at the isolated, inspiring location.
100 or so books from Finland: See what the Finnish Literature Exchange suggests
The Finnish Literature Exchange (FILI) lists more than 100 up-and-coming books from Finland. The bulk of them are so new that they haven’t been translated yet, but they offer a tantalising view of what’s on the way.
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