I love January and the new year, because I get more time to read than in the busy time leading up to Christmas. This year, because I am a fully-fledged Driven Woman, included in my reading list for the first time is a self-help book (for lack of any other description), which was recommended to me by … [Read more...]
Which Famous Finn from History Are You?
I know this quiz has probably done the rounds a few times already, but I'd not seen it before, so I thought I'd share it with you for a bit of Thursday morning fun.I got Tove Jansson, the famous creator of the Moomintrolls; a perfect fit for me! Which famous person from Finland's history did you … [Read more...]
When the Doves Disappeared by Sofi Oksanen – book review
Once again Sofi Oksanen excels in making the recent tragic history of Estonia and its people into an engaging and riveting read. In her previous, much acclaimed novel, Purge, the story follows three generations of women, while in When the Doves Disappeared, we trace the fates of two male … [Read more...]
Want to hear me speak in Finnish?
I was asked some time ago to do an interview for the School of Slavonic and East European Studies at University College London. Afterwards, I promptly forgot about it, until today when I came across the email exchange about the Language Trail project.I don't usually like listening to myself (and … [Read more...]
Finnish Tango is the Dance Therapy for the Soul
You may be surprised that in my view, out of all the Nordic people, we Finns are the most passionate. That strong emotion is a Finnish national characteristic may be a little known fact also because, as a people, we are most apt at hiding our passion – until we hear a tango piece.If you’re in … [Read more...]
Coffee and Vodka – out now in paperback!
It's finally here! My family drama, Coffee and Vodka, is now out in paperback.Here's the blurb:Nordic Noir meets Family Drama‘In Stockholm everything is bigger and better.’ When Pappa announces the family is to leave their small Finnish town for a new life in Sweden, 11-year-old Eeva is elated. … [Read more...]
‘MOOMINS ON THE RIVIERA’ CAST ANNOUNCED
I am so excited to be able to share the English-speaking cast of this new Moomin film, announced in Helsinki today, with you. I'm particularly excited about Russell Tovey and the local North London stand-up comic, Dominic Frisby. I cannot wait to see the film!The hand drawn animation … [Read more...]
My First Parliament Session
Ok, so I'm talking of a meeting of Finnish Expatriate Parliament, held in Manchester over the weekend, not the other one in Westminster...But, as a Finn living abroad, and as the new head of Finn-Guild, attending my first Finnish Expatriate Parliament session was an important first for me - and a … [Read more...]
Learn Finnish with Finn-Guild in London
Ever wanted to learn Finnish or brush up your knowledge of the language?Finn-Guild is organising two Intensive Study Days this spring, where you can really get to grips with the language.The intensive days will be held on 29 March and 17 May 2014 at Finn-Guild … [Read more...]
Finn-Guild AGM and Turkish soul food at Green Lanes, North London
My first six weeks as head of Finn-Guild, the Finnish British cultural association have been - to say the least - hectic. This is partly due to my desire to run before I can walk, but also due to the timing our AGM, the biggest event in the Finn-Guild members and volunteers' calendar, which took … [Read more...]
