Loukko by 
We are absolutely thrilled to share these news: The Bystander by Saara Turunen is sold to Wahlström & Widstrand in Sweden! This is the first foreign sales for Saara’s novels, and we are confident that there will be many more.
The Swedish publisher was immediately excited when they heard about the book, and they think it will be a perfect fit for their literary list.
“Saara Turunen has written a sharp contemporary reflection on the artistry and the identity, the role of the self in making art, on loneliness and belonging, but also feminism. She has an ability to capture the little moments and yet manages to make something bigger out of it. It is quiet but still outstanding!”
– Maria Såthe, Literary director, Wahlström & Widstrand
The Bystander:
When the narrator of the novel receives the hot-off-the-press copies of her debut novel, she feels like everything has changed. Strangely enough, no one else seems to notice this. All the while the narrator ponders the meaning of it all. Is a life outside the norms of society the price you pay of making art – and more importantly, can it be a happy life?
The Bystander is an important contemporary portrait of how difficult it still is for a young woman to choose otherwise, to take control of one’s own life. At the same time ironic and earnest, it burrows into the issues of making art.
About the author:
Saara Turunen is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning author, playwright and director. She is known for her bold and direct style and much of her work examines the themes of art, identity and social norms
Awards:
» City of Helsinki’s The Artist of the Year Award 2018
» Finland Prize Winner 2016
» Helsingin Sanomat Literature Prize Winner 2015
» Internationally renowned contemporary Finnish playwright with works translated into 14 languages
Click here to request reading materials for The Bystander.
Rights sold:
FINLAND, Tammi (orig.)
SWEDEN, Wahlström & Widstrand
