The “The Unknown Soldier” by Väinö Linna tells the story of a Finnish infantry company during the Continuation War between Finland and the Soviet Union.
The book follows a group of soldiers from different backgrounds as they experience the harsh realities of war, from relentless battles to moments of camaraderie.
It focuses on their struggles, fears, and courage, painting a raw and human picture of what it means to serve on the front lines.
The book “Seitsemän veljestä” by Aleksis Kivi tells the story of seven brothers who struggle to adapt to societal expectations in rural 19th-century Finland.
Their decision to flee societal pressures leads them into the wilderness, where they face both misfortune and self-discovery. Through their efforts to survive, grow, and eventually return to society, the story touches on themes of brotherhood and transformation.
Väinö Linna’s “Under the North Star” paints a vivid picture of Finnish rural life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The story begins with the struggles of ordinary villagers, focusing on one family’s efforts to survive and thrive in a changing world.
The novel explores themes of class tension, land ownership, and the impact of political upheaval, with the Finnish Civil War looming in the background. Linna captures the hardships and resilience of the characters, showing the human side of Finland’s history.
The book “Inspector Palmu’s Mistake” by Mika Waltari is a classic Finnish crime novel. It follows Inspector Palmu, a sharp and somewhat gruff detective, as he investigates the mysterious death of a wealthy, clumsy man found dead in his bathtub.
At first, it seems like an accident, but Palmu uncovers odd details that point to murder. The story is full of quirky characters, dry humor, and clever twists as Palmu pieces the clues together to reveal the truth.
Arto Paasilinna wrote “The Howling Miller,” a story about a man named Gunnar Huttunen who arrives in a small Finnish village and buys an old mill. Gunnar is charming but has a habit of howling at night, which unsettles the locals.
The villagers struggle with his eccentric behavior, and their distrust grows as tensions build. The book explores how society deals with those who don’t fit the norm while balancing humor and darker moments.
“The Year of the Hare” by Arto Paasilinna follows a journalist who decides to leave his stressful life after a chance encounter with a hare. The story begins when his car hits the animal, and he stops to check on it.
This leads to him walking away from his job and life in the city to wander through the Finnish countryside with the hare. The novel explores his adventures and interactions with strangers, all while he discovers a simpler way of living.
“Where We Once Went” by Kjell Westö takes readers to Finland in the early 20th century. The story follows a group of friends living in Helsinki, as their lives unfold against the backdrop of societal changes, political tensions, and the lingering effects of war.
Through their personal struggles and relationships, the novel captures the atmosphere of a nation finding its identity during a turbulent era.
Anna-Leena Härkönen’s “How to Kill a Bull” tells the story of Taika, a woman navigating the complexities of marriage, family, and motherhood in modern Finland.
The book offers a raw and honest look at her frustrations, joys, and struggles as she balances her career with societal expectations.
Taika’s journey is filled with moments that are both heartbreaking and darkly funny, as she contemplates her choices and the pressures around her.
The “The Song of the Blood-Red Flower” by Johannes Linnankoski follows the life of a young man named Olof who struggles with love and responsibility. He charms several women, yet his restless nature keeps him wandering from one to the next, leaving pain behind.
The story examines themes like passion, regret, and the search for purpose, all set against beautiful descriptions of Finnish landscapes and traditions.
“Let the Northern Lights Erase Your Name” by Vendela Vida follows Clarissa, a young woman who discovers secrets about her family after her father dies. Her search takes her to Finland, where she tries to uncover the truth about her mother’s disappearance.
The story explores identity, belonging, and how the past shapes us, all set against the stark and beautiful backdrop of Lapland.
Kjell Westö’s “Mirage 38” takes place in 1930s Helsinki. The story follows lawyer Claes Thune, whose life takes a turn when his secretary, Matilda, becomes connected to events from her past that resurface in unexpected ways.
The book explores the tensions of the time, marked by political unrest and personal betrayals, while painting a vivid picture of Helsinki during that era.
Sally Salminen wrote “Katrina,” a story about a young woman from Åland who marries a sailor, Johan, and moves to his home village in Ostrobothnia. She expects a better life but finds herself in harsh and disappointing conditions.
The novel follows Katrina’s struggles and resilience as she navigates the challenges of rural life, facing love, betrayal, and the realities of survival in a place far from her dreams.
Astrid Lindgren wrote “Matti Lives in Finland,” a children’s book that follows Matti, a young boy growing up in Finland. The story introduces readers to his daily life, from helping his family with chores to exploring the Finnish countryside.
It also highlights Finnish traditions and cultural moments, giving a glimpse into what it’s like to live there through Matti’s eyes.
“The Tomten in Åbo Castle” by Zachris Topelius is a charming tale set in the historic Åbo Castle. The story follows a tomten, a tiny mythical guardian, as it looks after the castle and its inhabitants.
The tomten observes the lives of the people in the castle and the surrounding area, adding a touch of magic to the everyday events. Topelius weaves elements of Finnish folklore into the narrative, bringing the world of the tomten and the castle vividly to life.
Kaari Utrio’s “Rakas Henrietta” is a historical novel set in 19th-century Finland. The story follows Henrietta, a strong-willed young woman navigating family expectations and societal constraints.
Her journey intertwines with themes of love, duty, and independence against the backdrop of Finnish countryside life. Utrio’s attention to period details brings the setting and characters to life.
Kaari Utrio’s “Saippuaprinsessa” is a historical romance that takes readers to 19th-century Finland. It follows a young woman from a wealthy family who inherits a soap factory, a business seen as improper for her class.
As she navigates societal expectations and the challenges of running the factory, she crosses paths with a man who complicates her life even further. The story captures the tension between tradition and change, offering a glimpse into Finnish society of that era.