Books Like...
'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.
If you liked The Year of the Hare, here are the top 43 books to read next:
- #1
Seven Brothers by Aleksis Kivi is a novel set in rural Finland, following the lives of the seven Jukola brothers who are left parentless after their mother's death. The story revolves around their boisterous and loyal nature, as they navigate through adulthood, facing challenges, bickering among themselves, and eventually maturing into responsible individuals. The narrative not only focuses on the brothers' adventures and internal relations but also serves as a parable about life in Finnish rural culture during the 19th century. The novel captures the essence of Finnish countryside life, depicting comical episodes, violent quarrels, and the brothers' journey towards maturity and self-discovery.
The book is praised for its modern feel, juxtaposing gritty dialogues with beautiful descriptions of the Finnish landscape in a lyrical tone. The character development, particularly the evolution of the seven brothers and the portrayal of strong female characters, adds depth and richness to the story. Despite being published in 1870, Seven Brothers is considered a classic in Finnish literature for its engaging plot, realistic portrayal of rural life, and its exploration of themes such as coming of age, rebellion, and redemption.
- #2
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.
- #3
Author Michael Booth explores the Nordic countries - Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Iceland - in his book 'The Almost Nearly Perfect People: Behind the Myth of the Scandinavian Utopia'. Booth delves into the cultural curiosities of these countries, shedding light on their quality of life, political systems, and societal norms. Through his own experiences and interactions, Booth provides a nuanced look at the strengths and weaknesses of the Scandinavian nations, challenging the idealized image often portrayed in the media. The book combines humor, historical facts, interviews with locals and experts, and insightful commentary to offer readers a deeper understanding of the Nordic region.
As the rainclouds finally part to reveal an electric blue, early evening sky, we venture out of the tent sniffing the cool, damp air like nervous rescue animals, turning to savor the last warmth of th... - #4
'Out Stealing Horses' by Per Petterson is a contemplative novel that delves into the relationship between a father and son, set in Norway during and after WWII. The story follows Trond, a man in his 60s who retreats to a remote cabin to reflect on his past, particularly a transformative summer spent with his father in the backwoods country close to the Swedish border. Through flashbacks, the reader discovers the father's involvement in the resistance movement and the impact it had on their lives. The novel skillfully weaves together themes of boyhood friendship, tragedy, loneliness, and the complexities of familial relationships, all while offering vivid descriptions of the Norwegian landscape.
Early November. It’s nine o’clock. The titmice are banging against the window. Sometimes they fly dizzily off after the impact, other times they fall and lie struggling in the new snow until they can ... - #5
The Witch Hunter by Max Seeck follows Detective Sergeant Jessica Niemi as she investigates a series of murders that seem to be inspired by a famous author's books on witch hunting. The story unfolds with a murder that leads the police to believe it's a ritualistic killing, prompting Jessica to delve into the author's body of work for clues. As more bodies are discovered, the investigative team races against time to stop the killer from enacting scenes from the bestselling trilogy. The book blends elements of police procedural and horror fiction, with a focus on the police investigation of the grisly murders in Helsinki, while attempting to create a terrifying atmosphere that adds a twist to the typical Nordic noir offerings.
THE WIND HAS picked up, and the corners of the massive glass-and-skimmed-concrete house wail restlessly. The tap-tap carrying from the roof has gradually intensified; the faint pops call to mind the s... - #6
'The Man Who Spoke Snakish' by Andrus Kivirahk is a unique adult fairy tale set in medieval Estonia, exploring themes of colonialism, modernity, faith, and inevitable change. The story follows Leemet, a boy who grows up in the forest speaking Snakish, an ancient language that allows him to communicate with animals. As colonization and Christianity spread, Leemet's traditional way of life is threatened, leading to a clash between old and new beliefs. is described as a mix of fantasy and allegory, filled with fantastical elements, odd characters, and black humor, making it a captivating and thought-provoking read.
What I was actually going to tell a story about was the funeral of Manivald. I was six years old at the time. I had never seen Manivald with my own eyes, because he didn’t live in the forest, but by t... - #7
Purge by Sofi Oksanen is a gripping and intense story set in Estonia, spanning several decades from the Second World War to the early 1990s. The novel revolves around the lives of two women, Aliide and Zara, who are connected through a shared history filled with oppression, occupation, betrayal, and survival. Through detailed flashbacks and intertwining storylines, the author skillfully weaves a narrative that explores themes of sexual violence, secrets, treachery, and the impact of war on human emotions. The book delves into the complex history of Estonia, addressing the horrors of Nazi and Soviet occupations, as well as the modern-day issue of sex trafficking in Eastern Europe.
I have to try to write a few words to keep some sense in my head and not let my mind break down. I’ll hide my notebook here under the floor so no one will find it, even if they do find me. This is no ... - #8
'Evening Class' by Maeve Binchy is a heartwarming novel that follows a group of diverse characters who come together to attend an Italian evening class in a rundown neighborhood in Dublin. Led by the mysterious and eccentric Signora, the class becomes a place where hidden fears and hopes are uncovered, and lives are transformed through the power of learning and community. As the characters intermingle and share their stories, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and second chances. Binchy's storytelling style weaves together multiple perspectives and subplots, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected lives that culminate in a heartwarming and emotionally inspiring tale of renewal.
Aidan might find one in a newspaper at a weekend. Are You a Thoughtful Husband? or possibly What Do You Know About Show Biz? They scored high on the answers to Are You Well Suited? and How Well Do You... - #9
'Naive. Super' by Erlend Loe follows the story of a 20-something protagonist who is lost and unsure of his path in life. The book portrays his journey of trying to connect with the world around him, showcasing his childlike innocence and unique way of viewing the world. The writing style is simple, with short chapters and lists, making it a quick and engaging read that delves into themes of friendship, self-discovery, and finding meaning in life.
I am borrowing my brother’s flat while he is away. It’s a nice flat. My brother has a fair bit of money. God knows what he does for a living. I’ve been paying little attention to that. He buys or sell... - #10
Banana Yoshimoto's 'Moshi moshi' follows the journey of a young woman dealing with the sudden loss of her father in a suicide pact, alongside the mystery surrounding his death. The protagonist moves to Shimokitazawa, a vibrant Tokyo neighborhood, seeking solace and healing. Through dreams, relationships, and the culinary delights of the neighborhood, she navigates grief, love, and personal growth. The narrative weaves themes of loss, healing, and the passage of time, offering a poignant exploration of coping with tragedy and finding a way forward in life.
The book is characterized by its deep yet accessible storytelling, with a focus on relationships, personal growth, and the healing process after loss. Yoshimoto's writing style delicately balances the weight of grief with moments of lightness and hope, creating a narrative that is both introspective and engaging. The exploration of family dynamics, love, and the transformative power of moving to a new place adds layers of complexity to the protagonist's emotional journey, making 'Moshi moshi' a compelling and emotionally resonant read.
When I still lived in my childhood home, I watched the movie over and over, late at night, alone, to try and give myself the courage to move there. I wanted to immerse myself in the area until I felt ...