Helsinki Book Fair showcases works by Estonian authors

Several Estonian authors will present their work at the Helsinki Book Fair from Oct. 22 to 25, ERR reports. Their appearances are scheduled for Oct. 23.

This year’s fair focuses on language, its power, importance and possibilities in literature. The event will host more than 1,000 appearances across 17 stages. More than 100,000 people visited the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre during the four-day fair last year.

The programme includes children’s author Triinu Laan’s internationally recognised book “The Adventures of Skeleton Juhan,” translated by Heli Laaksonen and published by WSOY. Andrus Kivirähk’s “Oskar and Things,” translated by Anja Salokannel and illustrated by Anne Pikkov, was published this year by Orava-kirjat. Pikkov will discuss the role of illustration in children’s books and her creative process.

Urmas Vadi will present his novel “Neverland,” translated into Finnish by Petteri Aarnos and published by Enostone. Vadi’s “The Other Side of the Moon,” published in Finland last year, was warmly received. Both books will be discussed at an Estonian-language book club led by Grete Ahtola, cultural secretary at the Estonian Embassy, and Mariliis Kuukuma, an information specialist at Töölö Library.

Sirpa Kähkönen will talk with Tõnu Õnnepalu about his latest Finnish translation, “Evening Sun on Small Houses.” Estonian-born Finnish writer and humorist Antto Terras will present his new book, “Verinen Viro” (“Bloody Estonia”). Estonia will also have a stand where visitors can browse Estonian books and new Finnish translations.