Meulenhoff Acquires Dutch Rights to Two More Books by Reetta Ranta

Following the acquisition of the Dutch rights to Ranta’s Soul Birds earlier this year, we are thrilled to share that Meulenhoff has acquired the rights to two additional titles by Ranta, Timeless Nordic Rituals and Sacred Trees. These titles were acquired ahead of the publication of the Dutch translation of Soul Birds. The deal was closed by Martti Berner at Ahlbäck Agency.

The deal brings Ranta’s rich exploration of Nordic traditions, mythology, nature, and rituals to Dutch readers across three books. We are delighted to see this wonderful collaboration continue with two more books.

Commissioning editor Josephine Monnickendam shared her thoughts:

“It’s truly fascinating to discover the rich folklore and traditions of the Nordic regions through Reetta Ranta’s work. Her books offer the perfect gateway to understanding the significance of rituals in daily life, our deep connection with nature and how this ancient Nordic wisdom can be incorporated into your own life. We are thrilled to bring this timeless Nordic wisdom to the Dutch readers.”

Meulenhoff Boekerij has a strong non-fiction list and with their Boekerij line theyfocus in particular on inspirational, gift-worthy books that convey wisdom about life inspired by different cultures. They are for example, the publisher of Ikigai by Héctor García & Francesc Miralles and Haemin Sunim’s The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down.

Request the materials for TIMELESS NORDIC RITUALS and SACRED TREES here!

SACRED TREES

Reetta Ranta

Sacred Trees invites readers on a journey to discover the stories, rituals, and wisdom entwined with trees in Finnish history and mythology.

Sacred Trees is a deeply personal and culturally rich exploration of a people’s ancient connection with trees and the spiritual significance they held in Finnish and Karelian traditions. The book uncovers the vibrant traditions of tree worship, many of which persisted into the 20th century; the relationships people held with sacred groves, and offering trees (pitämyspuu), which were woven into daily life. Women played a central role in these practices, tending sacred trees through rituals that fostered the spiritual connection between nature and humanity, making such offerings as tastes of the first harvest, bounty from foraging and hunting, or a mother’s breast milk.

TIMELESS NORDIC RITUALS: Bringing Purpose and Joy to Modern Life

Reetta Ranta

Rediscover your lost connection to nature by applying Nordic rituals in your own everyday life.

Can people who live their lives in cities, often more connected to technology than the world around us, benefit from ancient rituals and discover a life in rhythm with nature? What can we learn from the ancestors of the “happiest people on Earth”, the Finns?

Timeless Nordic Rituals is a book that invites us to take inspiration from long-forgotten and living traditions of the Finno-Ugric people, and to create rituals that strengthen our connection with nature, the cycle of life, and with our inner selves.