Tove Jannson's Novels
Paperback
In this book Tove Jansson captures the essence of the summer—its sunlight and storms— presenting it in 22 vignettes wrapped around six-year-old Sophia and her grandmother. The two females, on opposite ends of life, spend the summer on a tiny unspoiled island in the Gulf of Finland. Together they amble over the coastlines and through the forests in easy companionship. They build boats from bark, create a miniature Venice, and write a fanciful study of local bugs. They discuss things that matter to young and old alike: life, death, and the natures of God and of love.
In this sensitive tale of island life, Jansson — who lived much of her life on an island like the one described in this book — creates her own complete world, full of the varied joys and sorrows. Swedish actress Liv Ullmann wrote, "The Summer Book is beautiful and warm, with the kind of wisdom we can adapt to our everyday lives."
-
Tove Jannson's Novels
Paperback
In this book Tove Jansson captures the essence of the summer—its sunlight and storms— presenting it in 22 vignettes wrapped around six-year-old Sophia and her grandmother. The two females, on opposite ends of life, spend the summer on a tiny unspoiled island in the Gulf of Finland. Together they amble over the coastlines ... ... more -
Tove Jannson's Novels
Paperback
This novel examines desire and deception among residents of a remote snowbound village, and focuses on an intense relationship between two strong women, Katri Kling and Anna Aemelin. These women appear to be total opposites. One is an outcast living with her brother and a nameless dog. The other is more sociable and ... ... moreTove Jannson's Novels
Paperback
This novel examines desire and deception among residents of a remote snowbound village, and focuses on an intense relationship between two strong women, Katri Kling and Anna Aemelin. These women appear to be total opposites. One is an outcast living with her brother and a nameless dog. The other is more sociable and as close to aristocracy as can be in that locale. The strident battle of wills that ensues makes for an intimate portrait of two disparate outsiders. By the time spring arrives, the two women are caught in a conflict of ideals that threatens to strip them of their most cherished illusions. Called Jansson's "most unnerving and unpredictable novel", deception may be the theme, but there is plenty tension, mystery, and paradox thrown in. The story is sometimes beautiful and sometimes cruel, deeply unsettling, and often startling. This popular book takes a darker look at the subjects that frequently animate the best of Jansson's work: solitude and community, art and life, love and hate. -
by Harley Refsal
Paperback
The whittled little folk are delightful. From Kristian to Thea to the Woodsman, acclaimed artist Harley Refsal provides patterns and instructions for carving over 20 delightful characters in wood. Readers will find step-by-step carving and painting instructions for a Scandinavian-inspired man and woman. Once they have learned to carve these, ... ... moreby Harley Refsal
Paperback
The whittled little folk are delightful. From Kristian to Thea to the Woodsman, acclaimed artist Harley Refsal provides patterns and instructions for carving over 20 delightful characters in wood. Readers will find step-by-step carving and painting instructions for a Scandinavian-inspired man and woman. Once they have learned to carve these, they will find 20 more patterns to create. Each project includes four separate patterns (one from each view), carving instructions, and painting notes. An overview of Scandinavian flat-plane carving and details on customizing patterns are also included. This winter you can learn to carve, and next Christmas give Onkel Oskar, Tante Berte, and Prest Kringerud their own little statue. As the book cover says, "Little in size, but big in personality", just like your relatives! Oh, and don't forget to carve some abstract wooden fish decoys to lure lazy Cousin Herb out of the house and onto a frozen lake.