Loukko by 
Original title: Maailman kaunein sana
Author: Emmi Pesonen
Published: 2020
Publisher: Otava
Genre: Commercial/Upmarket
Pages: 287
Reading material:
English sample & synopsis
Warm, humorous and beautiful debut novel from the point of view of a stepmother. Patchwork family life, and new beginnings.
Amanda’s life is revolutionized when Onni curves into her life with a yellow minibus, chaos and four children riding along. She has been living an extended youth and cared mainly for her house plants until she met Onni and his kids. Happiness, the laundry pile and the dish mountains grow in their new home. Everything is always lost and the house is permanently messy, but Amanda firmly believes that love conquers all obstacles. But when Onni’s behavior starts to get weirder, she has to decide if love truly fixes everything.
Funny novel that you want to read in one sitting! The family life is described accurately: on the bed lies a child with her hair in a messy braid, upper body bare, wearing just floral leggings and a short polka dot skirt. When the nine- and fourteen-year-old brothers fight (which happens often)- the weak ones should look away. And gaining the trust of a teenage girl takes a long time. The book gives a lot of support for parents. Even if patchwork family patterns aren't familiar, the family life itself is is recognizable: fun and horrible at the same time.
- Maaseudun Tulevaisuus newspaper, Finland
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