Essi Kummu

Essi Kummu (b. 1977) has written short stories, novels, children’s books and manuscripts. Her novel Death of the Bear (Karhun kuolema, Tammi, 2010) was nominated for the Tiiliskivi Prize in 2011 and her children’s book Chatty Elias (Puhelias Elias, Tammi, 2012) was shortlisted for the Finlandia Junior Prize in 2012. Her books So Long, Boys (Hyvästi pojat, Tammi 2017) and Elias & the Wedding Waltz (Puhelias Elias Häätanssit, Tammi, 2019) were both nominated for the Bothnia Prize. In 2018 Kummu was awarded the Vuoden Sara acknowledgement in honour of her work towards empowering girls and women. As a scriptwriter Kummi is a member of many artistic working groups. She was part of the working group led by contemporary dance choreographer Satu Tuomisto, which led to the sensational show Bare. Kummu is currently writing her sixth novel, which is also being made into a film.

Awards and nominations

2019: Shortlisted for the Bothnia Prize
2018: Vuoden Sara acknowledgement
2017: Shortlisted for the Bothnia Prize
2013 Shortlisted for the Tower of Pabel Prize (Estonia) for the Best Translated Children’s Book of the Year
2012: Shortlisted for the Finlandia Junior Prize
2011: Shortlisted for the Tiiliskivi Prize

Works

Elias & the Wedding Waltz (Puhelias Elias Häätanssit, Tammi, 2019)
So Long, Boys (Hyvästi pojat, Tammi 2017)
The Practice Kiss (Puhelias Elias: Harjoituspusuja, children’s book, Tammi, 2015)
The Story of My Children (Lasteni tarina, Tammi 2014)
Chatty Elias (Puhelias Elias, children’s book, Tammi, 2012)
Death of the Bear (Karhun kuolema, Tammi, 2010)