Woman, 35

Laura Lennes

Original title: Nainen, 35

Author: Laura Lennes

Published: 2023

Publisher: Otava

Genre: Humor

Pages: 403

Part of a series: Aava

Reading material:

English draft translation and synopsis

Finnish edition

A wickedly funny and unsettling entertainment novel about the media world and the backstage of clickbait journalism

Aava is a journalist in a glossy magazine living an easy life, wrapped in beautiful things - it ticks all the boxes of normality. But her hard-won privileges vanish the moment a colleague—too young, too competent, and unbearably chic—walks into the editorial office. In a single day, her work identity and relationship status flip upside down. She gets fired on the same day and her boyfriend leaves her. Suddenly, Aava doesn’t even know what she wants.

This debut novel by an experienced journalist asks what it feels like to drift through an age when a woman’s indecision is frowned upon. And what is it like to be a 35-year-old woman in the hell of love and working life? Spoiler: pretty awful.

A coming-of-age story brimming with verbal and situational humor, following a woman through the twists and turns of love and working life. Chick lit elements updated for the present day—perfectly on point. Combine Carrie, Bridget, and Lotta, and you get Aava—a fresh novel that challenges the traditional framework of chick lit.”
– Kaleva Newspaper

The Finnish Bridget Jones.”
– Ville Blåfield, The Programme Director of Helsinki Book Fair

“Wildly funny” truly describes this book perfectly — Aava has a lot in common with Carrie Bradshaw, so fans of Sex and the City, this one’s for you!”
– @sanastatoiseen

Download reading materials

Rights sold:
FINLAND: Otava (orig.)

About author

Laura Lennes

Laura Lennes (born 1983) is a journalist from Helsinki with a passion for exploring the unique challenges and expectations faced by women today. With a focus on modern femininity, she addresses the issues encountered by middle-aged women (35+) in both love and work. Her insightful writings aim to create socially critical entertainment, shedding light on women's experiences and dispelling shame. Lennes has contributed to renowned publications, including Helsingin Sanomat. Through her work, she aspires to provide readers with laughter and comfort during life's challenges. She loves jokes that are questionable in the right way, as well as cheese snacks, beautiful things, and the smell of her dog’s breath in the morning.

Photo credit Jonne Räsänen

Bibliography


2025, Humor

Laura Lennes

Wife Material


2023, Humor

Laura Lennes

Woman, 35