Tove Jansson absolutely nails the voice of the child narrator - who fiercely follows a system of invented rules, gives gravity to treasures found, and unconsciously parrots the snobbish conclusions of adults.

A Winter Book is a selection of partially autobiographical stories in which Finnish writer Tove Jansson contemplates art, creativity, solitude, aging, boating etiquette, and reclusiveness. Her writing is quiet, observant, and funny - and occasionally veers towards the possibility of horror and violence.

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

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True Deceiver by Tove Jansson