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The Year of the Hare

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'The Year of the Hare' by Arto Paasilinna follows the story of Kaarlo Vatanen, a journalist who hits a young hare with his car, leading to a drastic change in his life. Vatanen decides to leave his job and wife behind, embarking on a journey through the Finnish countryside with the hare as his companion. The narrative is a mix of adventure and introspection, as Vatanen encounters various eccentric characters and experiences while rediscovering himself in the wilderness. The writing style is described as quirky, amusing, and occasionally farcical, capturing the essence of Finnish culture and landscape with a touch of dark humor.

Characters:

The characters, particularly the protagonist and the hare, are pivotal to the story, though some are criticized for lacking depth.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is straightforward and accessible, featuring a mix of humor and absurdity, although it may feel somewhat flat or lifeless to some readers.

Plot/Storyline:

The story follows a journalist who, after rescuing a hare, leaves his old life behind to explore the Finnish wilderness, engaging in various odd adventures along the way.

Setting:

The setting captures the essence of rural Finland, providing a vivid backdrop for the protagonist's journey.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally fast, allowing for quick engagement, although some shifts may disrupt the flow.
Two harassed men were driving down a lane. The setting sun was hurting their eyes through the dusty windshield. It was midsummer, but the landscape on this sandy byroad was slipping past their weary e...

Notes:

The Year of the Hare is a popular Finnish novel by Arto Paasilinna.
It was first published in 1975 and has been translated into 23 languages.
The story follows a journalist named Vatanen who abandons his city life after injuring a hare in a car accident.
Vatanen forms a unique bond with the hare and goes on various misadventures across Finland.
The novel explores themes of self-discovery, nature, and absurdity.
It has been described as a picaresque novel, incorporating humor and satire.
The work has been adapted for stage and film multiple times.
Paasilinna is widely regarded as a national treasure in Finland and has published over 35 novels.
The book has elements of magical realism and reflects Finnish culture and identity.
Readers have noted the book’s combination of whimsy and seriousness, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

From The Publisher:

An internationally bestselling comic novel in which a man-with the help of a bunny-suddenly realizes what's important in life

"Escapism at its best . . . Just pure fun." -NPR.org

"Which of us has not had that wonderfully seditious idea: to play hooky for a while from life as we know it?" With these words from his foreword, Pico Iyer puts his finger on the exhilaratingly anarchic appeal of The Year of the Hare, a novel in the bestselling tradition of Watership Down, Jonathan Livingston Seagull, and Life of Pi.

While out on assignment, a journalist hits a hare with his car. This small incident becomes life-changing: he decides to quit his job, leave his wife, sell his possessions, and spend a year wandering the wilds of Finland-with the bunny as his boon companion.

What ensues is a series of comic misadventures, as everywhere they go-whether chased up a tree by dogs, or to a formal state dinner, or in pursuit of a bear across the Finnish border with Russia-they leave mayhem (and laughter!) in their wake.

Ratings (3)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (1)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (6):

Read It (3)
Want To Read (3)

About the Author:

Arto Paasilinna is a Finnish writer, journalist, and comic novelist. One of the most successful novelists in Finland, his works have been translated into over 25 languages. Over seven million copies of his books have been sold worldwide. He is "instrumental in generating…

 
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