November Evening Panel Discussion

Juha Itkonen is one of the top names among the new generation of Finnish authors He published his first novel in 2003 and has been awarded and has won many awards since that. His latest book Hetken hohtava valo is kind of a chronicle telling story of few generations, their relationships and how the time and technology changes during the story.

I am not that big fan of Itkonen's books, but was excited about going to listen the panel discussion held at Kom Ravintola. Tonight's third Valoklubi handled the issue of "What is progression" with really interesting guests: Member Of Parliament Pekka Haavisto, Doctor Of Political Science Pilvi Torsti and business man and trainer Jari Sarasvuo. And the latter managed to get on headlines on yellow press by rushing away from TV show in order to make it on time for this free event (and he arrived a little bit late).



 

Inspring discussion with multiple themes from the end of the world to aspiring hope for the future, equality, civilization, religion, tolerance, technology and encounters. I must say that I really admire Pekka Haavisto's viewpoints and his charming character. 

 

And music by Jarkko Martikainen.

Impossible Love or The Love Story Of The Century

It makes me so delighted when institutes like libraries arrange interesting free events. So needless to say how pleased I was with Töölö library hosting an event with Finnish (Swedish speaking) author Märta Tikkanen around topic Impossible love.

Märta Tikkanen's books are mostly telling about women's status in society and the best known are The Love Story Of The Century (Vuosisadan rakkaustarina) and Man Cannot Be Raped (Miestä ei voi raiskata).

One got to admire her drive and energy as she has been touring in Scandinavia ever since the latest book Emma and Uno was published in 2010.She told fascinating stories of her childhood as well as her family's history since the theme of the latest book tells about her Grandparents and the love relation between them. Märta compared this big love story to her own with the author Henrik Tikkanen. Besides Emma and Uno she also read captions of her books Two (Kaksi) and Little Red Riding Hood (Punahilkka).

I cannot wait to start reading Emma and Uno!

 

Stop Violence Against Women

The book Pimppini on valloillaan was published on Women's Day 8th March 2012. The anthology consists of some 30 stories of sexual exercise of power over women.

This evening Korjaamo had an event around the theme with discussions, music, performance, threatre and visual arts. Amnesty International was also present with actual campaign Irtisanoudu naisiin kohdistuvasta väkivallasta (ie. Resign from violence against women).  

There was panel discussion with three authors Katja Kettu, Anja Snellman and Johanna Sinisalo. The panelists had prominent viewpoints about sexual harassment and subjection as well as gender roles in today's society.

Discussed topics were interesting, like how sexual violence is described in entertainment. In a way sexual violence belongs to thrillers, detective stories and so to entertainment. But how having to face these kind of scenes constantly when watching TV series and films or reading books will effect to victims. Something to think about and there is also a new book looking into this called Rape in Stieg Larsson's Millenium Trilogy and Beyond.

Anja Snellman and Johanna Sinisalo, who are both born in 1950's, stated that today's sexual ambiance is to a certain extent much more conservative than in 70's, although the society is very sexualized. So there is still puritanism around certain issues, especially when women talk about sexuality.

And one really interesting topic was, how the children are pushed towards gender roles by media and marketing, the latest example being Tiimari's advertising for childrens birthday party decorations for boys and girls (after all critisism they have now changed the themes to "fairytales, adventures and hobbies" instead of "boys, girls and common"). Children's gender roles were also present in Heidi Lunabba's photo exhibitions Twins at The Finnish Museum Of Photography last year.

I have yet not read Pimppini on valloillaan, but I bought it today as the money went to Rape Crisis Center and I will add to my long to-read list.

Marvellous Sofi Oksanen

Sofi Oksanen is a Finnish no. 1 author at the moment. She has written 4 novels of which the latest Kun kyyhkyset katosivat ie. When The Doves Disappeared being published the last of August and it instantly became the most sold book in Finland in August and will likely be the most sold book in 2012.

Sofi Oksanen deputed in 2003 with Stalin's Cows (Stalinin lehmät) and was already then nominated for Finnish literature Runeberg Prize and after that she has often been nominated and also won several prizes, such as the most prestigious Finlandia Prize in 2008 with her third novel Purge (Puhdistus) that also got her Runeberg Prize and the Nordic Council Literature Prize the following year. Until now Purge has been translated from Finnish to 38 languages, made into theathre plays, opera and film.

Besides the novels Sofi has also written lyrics for music play Too Short Skirt - Tales From The Kitchen with Maija Kaunismaa singing the lyrics. Songs describe the demands and expectations placed on the modern woman as well as the injustices women encounter daily.

 

Sofi Oksanen has written lot about Estonia and When the Doves Disappeared is a story of occupation, resistance, and collaboration in Estonia during and after World War II. This book is next on my reading list.

I sincerely recommend everybody to read Sofi Oksanen as she is highly talented author and her books handle complicated topics in thought-provoking way. She is without a doubt the most important and influential Finnish author of our era.

How To Be A Woman

How To Be A Woman is the best book I have read for a long time. I bought the book from London last autumn and totally adored the book.

Caitlin Moran is genius, sassy, witty and funny! I really like her style to write about serious issues with humour and without preaching. The main message is that women can choose themselves what they want to do (regarding their body, family, work etc.) and nobody should set strict rules what it is to be a woman. You can absolutely call her an ambassador of the modern feminism.

Caitlin in Helsinki 28.8.2012

Now we got this brilliant book also in Finnish (Naisena olemisen taito) and there has been interviews of Caitlin in several Finnish women's magazines. Certainly inspiring articles giving something to think about.

Olivia 9/12, Gloria 9/2012

And today it was also a press conference in Helsinki where I managed to infiltrate. She really made a positive impression being so down-to-earth, talkative, friendly, wine-liking and entertaining character, who all suddenly burst out singing or telling jokes.

After the interview I even got to chat with her a bit and she did complement my Efva Attling necklace :-).

I highly recommend everybody to read and enjoy this brilliant book!

“I want a Zero Tolerance policy on All The Patriarchal Bullshit.”Caitlin Moran: How To Be A Woman

Summer In The City

It is so wonderful to be on holiday and enjoy your hometown without any timetables or schedules. Today I was walking around downtown Helsinki the whole day just enjoying summer.

It is always good to start the day with good coffee and therefore I first took a coffee break at Brooklyn Cafe in Viiskulma.

After that I walked around Punavuori occasionally popping into the shops and doing some minor shopping.

There are so many attractive boutiques at Freda and I found a neat metal storage box on sale at Pino.

On a way I bought some berries, peas and flowers at Fredantori

I also went to Hietalahti Flea Market (Hietsun kirppis) and bought 2 books for 3 € (Barack Obama: Dreams From My Father and Märta Tikkanen: Yksityisalue).

 

Then to Forum Box gallery to see the much talked-about exhibition Art Is So Gay.

And after all walking a fine lunch at Boulevard Social: artichokes, lamb and pannacotta.

Lamb chops and polenta

I call this a fine summer day!