25th—28th October, the annual book fair will be held in Helsinki, Finland. A meet and greet with Latvian writer, Māra Zālīte, is part of the programme this year. Her book “Five Fingers” was recently published in Finland. Latvia will be also represented at the fair by translator Maima Grīnberga, and Finnish journalist Jukka Rislakki who resides in Latvia.
PROGRAMME
25th October
13:00 - 13:30
Finnish journalist, historian and caricaturist, Jukka Rislakki will be discussing his latest book Mullistusten mies. Elämää ja kohtaloita historian aallokossa (Witness of Change. Lives and Fates in Winding History): a journey of a shy boy from a small village in the middle of Finland to becoming a highly regarded journalist, author and caricaturist. The book is a vivid eyewitness account of the rise of radicalism in the 1960s and the experiences of far left-wing Helsingin Sanomat reporters. Rislakki’s career led him to defend the Baltic states and the Ukraine against the Russian propaganda.
Location: Suomenlinna
Publisher: Otava
Language: Finnish
25th October
14:00-14:30
Fiery Talks about The Core of the Sun
Johanna Sinisalo’s work The Core of the Sun has been translated into many languages. The discussion will be attended by translators of the book, Linda Dejdarova (Czech Republic), Maima Grīnberga (Latvia), and Lola Rogers (USA).
Location: Töölö
Language: Finnish
25th October
Don’t mention Siberia!
19:00-19:30
In the novel Five Fingers (“Viisi sormea” in Finnish), based on her personal experience, writer Māra Zālīte depicts the complex relationship between the people of a small village and the Soviet government through the eyes of an inquisitive little girl. The child’s perspective is candid, incorruptible and sharp-sighted. Zālīte’s storytelling is ingenious, her dialogues — entertaining. Heartbreaking life stories hide in between the lines, and the horrifying events described will hit home sharply and painfully for any adult reader. Why must you never mention Siberia? Why must you know his rule like the back of your hand? These themes will be discussed by translator Hilkka Koskela and the Ambassador of Latvia to Finland, Kristīne Našeniece.
Location: Töölö
Publisher: Arktinen banaani
Language: Finnish and Latvian
PHOTO: ĢIRTS RAĢELIS