Author: Arto Paasilinna –
Publisher: Pushkin Press –
Genre: Fiction –
Overall rating: 5/5 –
Writing: 5/5 –
Duration: 4:36 h (short) –
Narrator: Simon Vance –
Narrator/performance: 5+/5 –
Impressions: 5/5 –
Performance errors: 0/5 –
Complexity/reading level: ? –
Audience: General
Commentary/review
Translation: Herbert Lomas.
A truly wonderful piece of literature. Is it similar to “The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared” by Jonas Jonasson? I believe it is better, probably more Kafkaesque. There is a subtle but unmistakeable layer of allegory, which may or may not have been intended. The story may be read “as is” and remains enjoyable. This translation of the book contains an introduction which suggests that there are some Buddhist tropes in this story. I am sceptical, given the main character’s weakness for alcohol. There is the notion of freedom in the story but I doubt that it is spiritual. The story contains several striking images – of law, politics, society and love, to name only a few. A refreshing and unforgettable read.
The book is expertly read, the introduction is insightful. Highly recommended (if my best book of 2024 was not “Walden” ex aequo with “The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida”, it would be “The Year of the Hare”).
Cover Photo by Gary Bendig on Unsplash