Helsinki

Welcome to the Helsinki Book Fair to explore the latest Finnish translations of Estonian literature and to join discussions with authors and translators. You’ll find Estonia’s stand 6a70 in the exhibition hall, near the main stairs and opposite the cloakroom.

Programme

Thursday, 23 October

• 17:30-18:00, Hakaniemi Stage
  A. H. Tammsaare: Hornanperän uusi paholainen (1939, trans. Juhani Salokannel, Aviador)
  A classic in which the Devil arrives on earth in search of salvation, ironically revealing the contradictions of power and morality.
  Karl Ristikivi: Ihmeiden saari (1966, trans. Jouko Vanhanen, Enostone)
  A utopian novel where technological progress and cultures collide in an island state – social critique and philosophical reflection.
  Discussion with Juhani Salokannel and Sirpa Kähkönen.
  (Streamed online)
• 18:30-19:00, Kumpula
  Kätlin Vainola: Toivon puu (trans. Hannu Oittinen, Enostone)
  A sensitive children’s novel about grief, friendship, and the power of writing. When a child loses a beloved dog, new friendship and storytelling bring healing.
  With Kätlin Vainola, Meria Palin, Päivi Heikkilä-Halttunen, Ulla Saar, and moderator Kalle Niinikangas.

Friday, 24 October

• 16:00-16:30, Suomenlinna Hall
  Tiit Aleksejev: Taivastiellä (trans. Hannu Oittinen, Enostone)
  The fourth volume in the Crusade series takes pilgrims towards Jerusalem. Through the thoughts of a chronicler, the novel reflects parallels between medieval wars and today’s crises.
  Interview with the author by Tapio Koivukari.

Sunday, 26 October

• 16:00-16:30, Hakaniemi Stage
  Urmas Vadi: Kuun toinen puoli (trans. Petteri Aarnos, Enostone)
  A bestselling Estonian novel depicting the ordinary and extraordinary fates of one family during the transformative years of the 1980s and 1990s. Life’s turning points and the absurdity of the era are also portrayed with humour.
  Interview with the author by Ella Kanninen.
  (Streamed online)
• 17:00-17:30, Töölö Stage
  Maimu Berg: Stalin Tallinnassa (trans. Heidi Iivari, Enostone)
  A bold novel exploring women’s experiences and fears in the shadow of totalitarianism.
  Carolina Pihelgas: Rajalinja (trans. Anniina Ljokkoi, Sammakko)
  A poetic and intense work addressing both geographical and inner borders.
  Discussion with Maimu Berg, Carolina Pihelgas, and Sirpa Kähkönen.

See the full programme here: Helsinki Book Fair Programme

Estonia’s programme is organised by the Estonian Publishers’ Association and the ELIC, Estonian Literature Centre, in cooperation with the Tuglas Society, the Union of Estonian Societies in Finland, the Embassy of Estonia in Finland, and Finnish publishers. Supported by the Estonian Ministry of Culture and the Cultural Endowment of Estonia.