
Original title: Tove Jansson tee työtä ja rakasta
Author: Tuula Karjalainen
Published: 2013
Publisher: Tammi
Genres: General Nonfiction, Memories & Biographies
Pages: 300
The definitive biography of one of the most unique and beloved children’s authors of the 20th century, the creator of the Moomins. Tove Jansson (1914-2001) led a long, colourful and productive life, impacting significantly the political, social and cultural history of 20th-century Finland. And while millions of children have grown up with Little My, Snufkin, Moomintroll and the many creatures of Moominvalley, the life of Jansson – daughter, friend and companion – is more touching still. This book weaves together the myriad qualities of a painter, author, illustrator, scriptwriter and lyricist from fraught beginnings through fame, war and heartbreak and ultimately to a peaceful end.
“Tuula Karjalainen’s biography of Tove Jansson resists the simple formula. Sure, the Moomins play a large role in the book, as they did in Jansson’s life, but they never seem to be dominating it. Even after their success, Jansson continued to try perfecting her artistic expression, both as a visual artist and a writer.”
Svenska Dagbladet newspaper, Sweden
Rights sold:
FINLAND: Tammi (orig.)
CHINA: CITIC
DENMARK: Turbine forlaget
ESTONIA: Varrak Publishers
GERMANY: Urachhaus GmbH
JAPAN: Kawade Shobo Shinsha Ltd, Publishers
RUSSIA: AST Publishers /Mainstream
SOUTH KOREA: Munhak Dogne Publishing Group
UKRAINE: Prometey
UNITED KINGDOM: Penguin Press