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The Howling Miller by Arto Paasilinna is a humorous and thought-provoking novel set in postwar Finnish Lapland. It follows the life of Gunaar Huttunen, a wise but eccentric character who takes over a mill in a country village. Huttunen's ability to howl like a wolf leads to his persecution and ostracization by the villagers, culminating in being sent to an asylum. The story delves into themes of nonconformity, persecution, and the abuse of power, all wrapped in a fantastical and larger-than-life narrative style.
The book portrays Huttunen as a mythic hero who marches to the beat of a different drummer, performing unlikely physical feats and living a Thoreau-like existence in the forest. The author, Paasilinna, weaves a tale that combines elements of humor, sadness, and upliftment, creating a story that is both funny and poignant. Through Huttunen's escapades and interactions with hypocritical characters, the novel explores the complexities of human nature and societal norms in a uniquely Finnish setting.
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Save:'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.
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...
