This is part of an ongoing series where I write about a different author for each letter of the alphabet. You can see them all here.
It was really difficult to decide whether to use Tove Jansson or Shirley Jackson for ‘J’ – two authors I love, and two authors I’ve read widely. But I went for Tove Jansson because I’ve loved her longer – and because there ARE some books I haven’t read by her. (By the by, if you’re concerned about my windowframes in the pic – fear not! A painter is coming to sort them out soon.)
How many books do I have by Tove Jansson?
I’ve got 12 books by Jansson, which I think includes all of her works for adults that have been translated into English. I’ve only actually got one of her Moomin books which, in the fine tradition of these posts, I forgot to include in the picture. I might have one or two more Moomin books that I’ve forgotten about, but my children’s books are under the bed so who knows.
How many of these have I read?
I’ve read almost all of the novels and short story collections – and Moominpappa at Sea. Let’s say 9 in total. I know she is best loved for the Moomin books, but maybe I came to them too late, or maybe I just prefer her (and all writers) when she is writing about real people. I will go onto her other Moomin books at some point, I’m sure, but to be honest I often forget that she wrote anything for children.
From the stack pictured, I haven’t read the collected letters yet, and I’m saving Sun City. It’s not in print, and I can’t bear the idea of getting to the bottom of my Jansson novel pile. There is a novel that hasn’t been translated yet – Stenåkern or The Field of Stones – but I don’t know if Sort Of are planning to bring out an edition. I do hope so! I’m also not entirely sure I’ve read Sculptor’s Daughter all the way through – quite a lot of the stories appear in the collection A Winter Book, and I seem to remember reading the others at some point.
How did I start reading Tove Jansson?
I did watch the Moomin cartoon growing up, but it was in about 2003 that my friend Barbara lent me her copy of The Summer Book and I became an instant fan. At that point, very little had been translated – so it’s been good fun waiting for them to appear in bookshops.
General impressions…
Jansson is one of my favourite writers, and I love pretty much everything she’s written. Her stories are often beautiful, observant gems, and I love her experimental epistolary or fragmented stories too. She can do dark brilliantly, in The True Deceiver, and her sweeter books remain uncloying because she never has a moment of sentimentality.
Of course, I have only read her through her translators – usually Thomas Teal, but also Silvester Mazzarella and one or two others. Teal and Jansson are ideal collaborators, and I sincerely hope he’ll finish off anything remaining. And if he doesn’t – well, of course I have the Moomins waiting for me.
Funnily enough, I have both Jansson and Shirley Jackson on my bedside table, where my favourite writers reside… I want to try and find a cheap copy of Sun City and I still have her letters to read. I also really like the biography by Tuula Karjalainen.
Oh yes, I’ve read both biogs and can never remember who wrote which – both lovely books.
Lovely! I only came to the Moomins recently and do recommend them – even at my advanced age!!!
I don’t know what’s stopping me, really
I consider them adult-themed works accessible to children, but see my post to Simon below.
I have not read Jansson and it’s high time I did, especially after this recommendation. What do you suggest I start with?
Oo you should! I think The Summer Book is probably a good place to start, though you can’t go far wrong.
Thanks Simon!
Hmm, the Moomin books are adult-themed books accessible and enjoyed by children as well in my opinion. However I have expressed that view before and you didn’t agree with it so I won’t repeat my opinion on this again. You are a much, much better judge of things literary than I am; unsurprising as it’s your area of expertise :-).
Your love of the Moomins always cheers me!
I never read the Moomins because I obscurely feared them as a child (I wasn’t keen on Elmer the Elephant either. Make of that what you will). I have read Sun City (did I send you my copy?) and a couple of others and do like them but somehow don’t rush to her as a favourite. I would like to know what the letters are like, however.
Hmm I don’t think I did, but who knows – impressive that you’ve read such a scarce one without being a superfan!
I also love Jansson and share your wish for more translations! I’ve not read the collected letters though, so that treat awaits. I didn’t really read The Moomins much growing up although like you I watched the cartoon, but I note Kaggsy’s advice that you’re never too old, so maybe I’ll give them a try…
Reading the two biogs of Jansson and seeing her opinion of the Moomins shifting was really fascinating.
Have you seen the new film? I went yesterday – interesting but rather too long, my interest in her love life was waning by the end.
Mark Kermode gave “Tove” a very positive review; certainly made me want to see it. Not many cinemas in London appear to be showing it though :-(
Even fewer outside London!
No, would like to but I don’t think it’s showing anywhere near me. Will wait til it’s on streaming, I guess!
You need to write your own bookish memoir Simon, a la Susan Hill, and title it “Children’s books are under the bed”.
Haha! Perfect
Also love Tove Jansson and have just spent a very enjoyable evening watching Tove on Curzon.