Loukko by 
Original title: Homona Putinin Venäjällä
Author: Erkka Mikkonen
Published: 2026
Publisher: WSOY
Genres: Narrative Nonfiction, Memories & Biographies, History & Politics
Pages: 343
Reading material:
English sample & synopsis, Finnish edition
A journalist’s sharp report of a Russia where love is a crime.
Foreign correspondent Erkka Mikkonen’s personal account of Russia’s descent into totalitarianism and the complete silencing of sexual and gender minorities.
As a young man, Erkka Mikkonen fell in love with Russian culture, hospitality, and the liberal atmosphere of St. Petersburg. In Russia, he also found himself a husband. His earlier image of Russia began to crumble before his eyes.
This timely and perceptive non-fiction book describes how Vladimir Putin’s authoritarian regime began to systematically trample the rights of sexual and gender minorities and how their love and their lives were threatened on an existential level.
“The book is timely, deeply personal and powerful. Through the author’s own experiences, it compellingly portrays Russia’s transformation and the panic and fear experienced by ordinary people as their country changes. The work offers a perceptive examination of the Russian people, performative morality and even Putin’s gaze. It is an excellent example of skilful journalism and the courage to stand firmly on the side of truth. The book’s greatest message continues to resonate long after reading: love conquers all.“
Finlandia Prize jury 2026
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