A Winter Book by Tove Jansson

A Winter Book is a selection of Finnish writer Tove Jansson’s short stories. Many are partially autobiographical - set in locations Tove stayed at with her parents and featuring family members. Tove absolutely nails the voice of her child narrator - and this alone makes the selection worth studying. Her narrator fiercely follows a system of invented rules, gives gravity to treasures found, and unconsciously parrots the snobbish conclusions of adults.

In the stories Jansson contemplates art, creativity, solitude, aging, boating etiquette, and reclusiveness. In a quiet, observant way her writing is funny, though there are moments which veer towards the possibility of horror and violence.

I admire the precision and elegance of her writing, and the beauty and fearlessness with which she contemplates death.