Books from Finland
36 popular finnish books
Travel the world without leaving your chair.
The target of the Read Around The World Challenge is to read at least one book written by an author from each and every country in the world.
All books that are listed here as part of the "Read Around Europe Challenge" were written by authors from Finland.
Find a great book for the next part of your reading journey around the world from this book list. The following popular books have been recommended so far.
21.
Secret Passages in a Hillside Town by Pasi Ilmari Jääskeläinen EN
Description:
An atmospheric love story with a twist by the author of The Rabbit Back Literature Society. In a small hillside town, Olli Suominen - publisher and discontented husband - is constantly losing umbrellas. He has also joined a film club. And Greta, an old flame, has added him on Facebook. As his life becomes more and more entangled with Greta's, and his wife and son are dragged into the aftermath of this teenage romance, Olli is forced to make a horrible choice. But does he really want to know what the secret passages are? Can he be sure that Greta is who she seems to be? And what actually happen... continue
22.
The Beggar and the Hare by Tuomas Kyro EN
Description:
Vatanescu, a young Romanian construction worker, wants a future for himself and a pair of football boots for his son. So off he goes to a cold, dark country to beg. He knows a little about Finland from the novels of Arto Paasilinna, but he has no idea what he is letting himself in for and soon he is kneeling on the asphalt in Helsinki. The wretchedness of living on the streets is lifted when he and his fellow beggars throw a sumptuous feast from the contents of a dumpster. However, their employer, the Russian human trafficker Jegor Kugar, profoundly disapproves of this bacchanal. A conflict en... continue
23.
The Book of Hope by Tommi Musturi EN
Description:
In a way that only the medium of comics can, The Book of Hope slows the reader down to the rhythms of the life of a retired couple living in a rural countryside. Behind the static, routine moments of everyday life something bigger takes shape. Encroaching
24.
The Brothers by Asko Sahlberg EN
Description:
A Shakespearean drama from icy Finland. Finland, 1809. Henrik and Erik are brothers who fought on opposite sides in the war between Sweden and Russia. With peace declared, they both return to their snowed-in farm. But who is the master? Sexual tensions, old grudges, family secrets: all come to a head in this dark and gripping saga. Why Peirene chose to publish this book: 'This is a historical novel in miniature form. It deals in dark passions and delivers as many twists as a 500-page epic. And if that were not enough, each character speaks in a distinct voice and expresses a unique take on rea... continue
25.
The Man Who Died by Antti Tuomainen EN
Description:
A successful entrepreneur in the mushroom industry, Jaakko Kaunismaa is a man in his prime. At just 37 years of age, he is shocked when his doctor tells him that he's dying. What is more, the cause is discovered to be prolonged exposure to toxins; in other words, someone has slowly but surely been poisoning him. Determined to find out who wants him dead, Jaakko embarks on a suspenseful rollercoaster journey full of unusual characters, bizarre situations and unexpected twists. With a nod to Fargo and the best elements of the Scandinavian noir tradition, The Man Who Died is a page-turning thrill... continue
26.
The Nordic Theory of Everything : In Search of a Better Life by Anu Partanen EN
Description:
From childcare to healthcare, provision for the elderly and tackling issues of homelessness, the Nordic countries are world leaders in organising society – no wonder Finland has been ranked among the happiest places in the world. But when Finnish journalist Anu Partanen moved to America, she quickly realised that navigating the basics of everyday life was overly complicated compared to how society was organised in her homeland. From the complications of buying a mobile, to the arduous task of filing taxes, she knew there was a better way and as she got to know her new neighbours she discovered... continue
27.
The Rabbit Back Literature Society by Pasi Ilmari Jääskeläinen EN
Description:
Selected as the new, 10th member of an exclusive and elite writer's club headed by a renowned children's author, Ella discovers the other participants are involved in disturbing secrets, mysterious rituals and have books in which the words begin to rearrange themselves.
28.
The Rabbit Factor by Antti Tuomainen EN
Description:
An insurance mathematician's carefully ordered life is turned on its head when he unexpectedly loses his job and inherits an adventure park ... with a whole host of problems. A quirky, tense and warmly funny thriller from award-winning Finnish author Antti Tuomainen. **Soon to be a major motion picture starring Steve Carell for Amazon Studios** 'Laconic, thrilling and warmly human. In these uncertain times, what better hero than an actuary?' Chris Brookmyre 'The antic novels of Antti Tuomainen prove that comedy is not lost in translation ... Tuomainen, like Carl Hiaasen before him, has the kna... continue
29.
The Summer Book by Tove Jansson EN
Description:
An elderly artist and her six-year-old grand-daughter while away a summer together on a tiny island in the gulf of Finland. As the two learn to adjust to each other's fears, whims and yearnings, a fierce yet understated love emerges - one that encompasses not only the summer inhabitants but the very island itself.Written in a clear, unsentimental style, full of brusque humour, and wisdom, The Summer Book is a profoundly life-affirming story.Tove Janssoncaptured much of her own life and spirit in the book, which was her favourite of her adult novels. This new edition, with a Foreword by Esther ... continue
30.
The True Deceiver by Tove Jansson EN
Description:
A New York Review Books Original Winner of the Best Translated Book Award Deception—the lies we tell ourselves and the lies we tell others—is the subject of this, Tove Jansson’s most unnerving and unpredictable novel. Here Jansson takes a darker look at the subjects that animate the best of her work, from her sensitive tale of island life, The Summer Book, to her famous Moomin stories: solitude and community, art and life, love and hate. Snow has been falling on the village all winter long. It covers windows and piles up in front of doors. The sun rises late and sets early, and even during the... continue