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Finnish authors abroad
Finnish authors abroad
Siiri Enoranta (b.1987) is an award-winning YA and crossover fiction author. She’s one of Finland’s contemporary literary torchbearers. In her stories she created wonderful fantasy worlds, which include strong and complicated female leads. Within the YA and crossover fiction genre, she is known for her skillful depiction of relationships and sexual awakenings. Enoranta’s writing has been described as “earth-shatteringly good”, “linguistically beautiful”, “dazzling”, “stylish” and “enigmatic”.
Enoranta’s 2018 title The Burning Dark (Tuhatkuolevan kirous, WSOY, 2018) won the prestigious Finlandia Prize for Best Children’s/YA title of the Year. The Burning Dark is her eighth novel.
In October 2018 Enoranta won the WSOY Literature Foundation Award 2018, which is an acknowledgement of her literary works to date.
Her book The Peculiar Life of Josir Jalatva (Josir Jalatvan eriskummallinen elämä, Robustos, 2017) was nominated for the Kuvastaja Prize in 2017. Her 2015 title The Sorrow-deer Tamer (Surunhauras, lasinterävä, WSOY, 2015) won the Topelius Prize and was shortlisted for both the Finnish Literary Export Prize and the Finlandia Prize, as was her debut title Monarch of the Omenmea (Omenmean vallanhaltija, Robustos, 2009).
Her second title A Broken Child Sleeps (Nukkuu lapsi viallinen, Robustos, 2010) was awarded the Tampere City Literary Award in 2011 and her adult fiction title The Death of Giselle (Gisellen kuolema, Robustos, 2011) was nominated for the highly-acclaimed Runeberg Prize in 2012. Sweet Haven of Nightmares (Painajaisten lintukoto, WSOY, 2012) was nominated for the Kuvastaja Award in 2012 and The Nettle Revolt (Nokkosvallankumous, WSOY, 2013) was awarded the Tampere City Literary Award in 2013 as well as being nominated for Topelius Prize and the Kuvastaja Award.
“A book for both young and adults with softer elements and fairytale interlaced with intriguing edginess and strong themes.” – The Burning Dark, Elina Keinänen, Aamulehti newspaper
“A candid book dealing with issues such as being different, and death… The reader fears for Pau’s life, and worthy issues rise to the surface throughout this adventure. Pau learns to relinquish uncertainties about her skills, and her looks, as she realises that she is capable of greatness.” – The Burning Dark, Demi magazine
“The Burning Dark by Siiri Enoranta is the most excellent example of Finnish fantasy literature.” – The Burning Dark, Venla Lepänaho, Lukufiilis blog
“Siiri Enoranta’s The Sorrow-Deer Tamer is impressive. The thoughtfully considered themes that the novel carries are power, love and humanity. The world, the gallery of protagonists and the story created by Enoranta form a dazzling kaleidoscope. This atmospheric and stylish piece of work shows that Enoranta is among the torchbearers of Finnish literature.” – The Sorrow-Deer Tamer, Statement of the Topelius Prize Jury
“I can’t praise Enoranta’s writing style enough, it’s an earthshatteringly great read. ” – The Sorrow-Deer Tamer, Dysphoria blog
“My mind is consumed by this work of art … the most significant book of this autumn.” – The Sorrow-Deer Tamer, Kirjakko Ruispellossa blog
“Enoranta’s linguistically beautiful story The Sorrow-Deer Tamer represents well the new fantasy literature genre. The author skillfully builds an imaginary world that is both complex and multidimensional.” – The Sorrow-Deer Tamer, Statement of the Tampere City Literary Award Jury
“The Sorrow-deer Tamer is a multi-dimensional young adult novel. Between its covers are major themes, but it isn’t crushed or derailed by them and instead draws on them for adventure, suspense, and romance too. Enoranta exploits opposites, which, as they collide, are seen in a new light. Having several narrators strengthens the story arc, making it deeper and clearer.” – The Sorrow-Deer Tamer, Suketus blog
“The Sorrow-Deer Tamer portrays an entire world, complete with distinct world-views and cultures. Its two continents’ populations exist without knowledge of each other, since the ties between the two were broken long ago. Crossing the sea that separates them is not only an exciting adventure but also a journey across horizons that restrict one’s spirit and one’s way of thinking. Enoranta conducts the story from the perspective of several narrators, weaving an enigmatic tapestry of events in which nothing is predictable.” – The Sorrow-Deer Tamer, Statement of the Finlandia Junior Prize Jury
“Enoranta’s imagination and storytelling skills are admirable.” – The Sorrow-Deer Tamer, Keskisuomalainen newspaper
“Combines prose and fantasy in a charming way.” – Statement of the Tampere City Literary Awards board
“Enoranta’s language is beautifully poetic. Worn metaphors have been replaced with a fresh set of natural sentences. Enoranta’s third work is further proof of the young writer’s skills as a storyteller.” – Aamulehti newspaper
“Giselle’s Death is an atmospheric, dramatic book.” – Kirjavinkit blog
“Her language is at the same time poetic and heavy. Images engage the language and phrases repeat themselves on purpose … Enoranta’s sentences foreshadow the evil that will soon take place.” – Lumooja blog
“Brings brand new elements into the field of fantasy.” – Kansan uutiset newspaper
